Process Technologist

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:

• Working closely with Production teams to plan and carry out production trials, ensuring each trial is accurately documented.
• Preparing detailed trial reports capturing recipes, line settings, adjustments, SPC data where applicable and other relevant process information.
• Collecting samples from production trials to develop Quality Attribute Standards agreed with Customer, Production and Technical teams.
• Collecting objective product measurements from trials, including dimensions, water activity (Aw), pH and other relevant measures.
• Supporting the commissioning of new equipment and helping ensure a smooth transition from existing production processes and techniques.
• Ensuring trials are carried out in finished packaging where required, allowing the packaging to be fully evaluated.
• Keeping all production trial, process documentation and project records accurate and up to date.
• Attending first production runs to support the Production team and providing ongoing support where required.
• Supporting Production with troubleshooting and resolving manufacturing issues.
• Developing process specifications for the site's product range, ensuring they reflect the plant's actual capabilities and are completed for all product changes and new launches.
• Providing accurate recipe costing.
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and testing new ingredients, processes and product variations to ensure quality is maintained or improved.
• Working collaboratively across Production, Technical, Customer and other key teams to ensure trials are organised effectively and products are launched successfully.

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

• Several years' experience working within a food manufacturing environment.
• A Bakery-related qualification is desirable, with experience across bread and other bakery products.
• The ability to translate test bakery recipes into scaled-up factory processes.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of manufacturing capabilities, systems and processing parameters.
• Experience working collaboratively with different teams to ensure trials run effectively and products are launched on time.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly share technical information with others.
• Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Good time management skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Good numeracy and computer skills.
• An understanding of food products, quality and nutrition.
• Creative and innovative thinking, with the ability to identify practical solutions.
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision and use sound judgement.
• The ability to encourage, support and motivate others.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

What success looks like

• Bringing customer briefs to life and developing them into successful commercial products.
• Delivering successful scale-up trials from concept through to launch.
• Supporting successful product launches that are delivered on time, to cost and to the required quality.
• Achieving agreed Development and Innovation targets.
• Building strong cross-functional relationships and contributing positively to the way our teams work together.

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