Production Operations Manager

£39,000- £45,000 DOE | Full Time | 40 hours per week

Morelands Trading Estate | Gloucestershire | On-site

Start date: Sept 2026 or earlier where possible

We’re looking for a passionate, hands-on leader to take overall responsibility for our bakery operation and team, helping us scale intelligently without losing the quality and craftsmanship we’re built on. Hetty’s is an independent specialist brownie bakery, with a brilliant team of 10 and big ambitions for what comes next.

Benefits of Production & Operations Manager

'14; Guaranteed annual pay increase

'14; + 1 day holiday for every year you've worked (up to 5 days)

'14; Sociable hours, Monday to Friday

'14; 50% off brownies

'14; Free brownie box every month

'14; 50% off our cafe for you, as well as your family and friends

'14; Free parking

'14; Key member of the senior leadership team

'14; Genuine influence over the next chapter of an ambitious independent bakery

'14; Sociable and supportive team,

Responsibilities as Production & Operations Manager

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• Lead and manage the bakery team, including recruitment, training and performance
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• Support and coach the Kitchen Supervisor, covering the role during holidays
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• Plan production and ensure orders are fulfilled accurately and on time
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• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, equipment, capacity and efficiency
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• Maintain food safety and compliance standards, including HACCP, COSHH and Health & Safety
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• Develop new products and refine existing ones
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• Maintain accurate recipe costings, specifications and allergen records
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• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate pricing
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• Monitor costs and identify opportunities to improve profitability
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• Maintain exceptional quality control and product consistency
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• Step into production and packing during peak periods when needed
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• Occasionally cover the local delivery round
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What We're Looking For

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• Experience managing food production, bakery, confectionery or similar manufacturing
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• A track record of improving processes or scaling a food business
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• Strong food safety, HACCP and compliance knowledge
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• Excellent people management and leadership skills
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• Someone who combines high standards with warmth, humour and a genuinely supportive approach to leading people
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• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of costs and margins
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• Confidence with spreadsheets, databases and digital systems
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• A practical, hands-on approach and willingness to get stuck in when needed
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• Full UK driving licence
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• Product development experience desirable; confectionery experience a bonus
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If you're excited by the idea of taking ownership of a growing bakery operation and helping shape the next chapter of an ambitious independent brand, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to find out more.