Process Development Manager

About us:

The Bread Factory is the UK's leading artisan bakery. Founded by Gail Meija in 1993, The Bread Factory, originally known as Gail Force, began by supplying some of London's most prestigious restaurants, including many with Michelin stars. More than three decades later, we continue to work closely with the best chefs, alongside grocers, foodservice partners and our own neighbourhood bakery, GAIL's.

The Bread Factory is synonymous with quality. We have been awarded more than 100 Great Taste Awards and have held a Royal Warrant since 2016, when it was first granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In 2024, the warrant was renewed by His Majesty The King.

We source our ingredients thoughtfully, partnering with farmers and millers who align with our values. The result: delicious, carefully made baked goods that support a more sustainable and nutritious food system; bringing great bread to more tables every day.

Every day is different at The Bread Factory, but here are some of the things you will be doing:

• Planning, coordinating, and running factory trials alongside the Production team, collecting the relevant data and product samples for internal reviews, customer submissions, and product validation.
• Producing detailed trial reports, documenting recipes, production line settings, adjustments made during trials, SPC data (where applicable), and all other relevant process information.
• Supporting the commissioning of new equipment, helping to ensure a smooth transition to new production processes and techniques.
• Collecting and analysing product measurements from trials, including dimensions, water activity (aw), pH, and any other required quality attributes.
• Ensuring trials are completed using final packaging where appropriate, allowing packaging performance to be fully assessed.
• Maintaining accurate product records and ensuring all production trial documentation is complete, up to date, and audit-ready ahead of product launches.
• Keeping process documentation and project records organised and up to date throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Collecting production samples to establish quality attribute standards agreed with Production, Technical, and our customers.
• Attending first production runs to support operational teams, providing guidance and troubleshooting where needed to ensure successful product launches.
• Working closely with Production and Technical teams to ensure products consistently meet agreed quality standards.
• Driving process improvements by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and consistency across manufacturing operations.
• Providing hands-on support for continuous improvement initiatives, from resolving day-to-day production issues to delivering longer-term process enhancements.
• Supporting project delivery by managing timelines and critical paths when required, ensuring projects remain on track from concept through to launch.
• Leading, coaching, and developing a team of Product and Process Technologists, creating a collaborative environment that encourages growth and high performance.

Our team tells us you will be a great addition if you have:

• A highly organised and methodical approach, with excellent project management skills. This is a fast-paced role, so you'll be confident managing multiple priorities while communicating effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing a team of Process Technologists.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing capabilities, production systems, and processing parameters within a food manufacturing environment.
• The ability to build strong working relationships across the business, ensuring product trials are well planned and launches are delivered on time, meeting both business objectives and customer expectations.
• A proactive mindset with a passion for continuous improvement, always seeking more efficient and effective ways of working.
• Proven process development experience within food manufacturing.
• Experience working within a bakery environment (bread and pastry) is highly desirable.
• A sound understanding of HACCP principles and site technical standards.
• A positive, can-do attitude and a resilient approach, with the ability to perform well in a fast-paced, pressurised environment.
• Previous experience in a similar role, with confidence using root cause analysis techniques to solve problems, evaluating and interpreting shelf-life results, and applying customer codes of practice alongside strong food legislation and regulatory knowledge.
• A genuine passion for food, product quality, and innovation.
• A high level of personal accountability, ownership, and drive to deliver results.

What’s in it for you:

• Fresh bread daily to take home to enjoy with family and friends.
• 50% discount at GAIL’s and 40% off at The Bread Factory & The Flour Station Markets.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Discounts and Savings from high-street retailers and restaurants
• 24-hour GP service
• Cycle to work scheme