Shift Leader

The Bread Factory Limited; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading artisan bakery in Milton Keynes seeks a production team leader responsible for supervising the production team and ensuring high-quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a passion for baking, excellent coaching skills, and experience in leading a team. This role offers competitive pay and various benefits, including discounts on baked products and career progression opportunities. Join us in making high-quality artisan bread and pastries while being part of a supportive community.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Career progression and training

Discounts at The Bread Factory and GAIL’s Bakery

24-hour GP service

Access to company benefits platform

Qualifications

• Effective communication skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Previous experience leading a team in food production.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production team to meet targets during shifts.
• Coach junior staff to develop their skills.
• Maintain hygiene and quality standards in production.
• Act as department manager when necessary.
• Monitor stock levels and resolve equipment issues.

Skills

Baking passion

Coaching skills

Communication

Teamwork

Job description

Overview

The Bread Factory is the UK’s leading artisan bakery. We make award-winning bread, pastries, and cakes, and as well as supporting our neighbourhood bakeries at GAIL’s, we are the proud suppliers behind London’s Michelin restaurants, prestigious hotels, and even Buckingham Palace! We believe in making good bread. We may have grown over the years, but our philosophy has not changed… to make exceptional quality artisan bread, cakes, and pastries so more people can enjoy them. We bake by hand with natural ingredients, we insist on the finest ingredients, and though we’re always innovating, our baking is based on time-honoured techniques and our decades-old starters. Nothing pleasures us as much as a freshly baked, lovingly crafted loaf. Product is at the heart of our bakeries and everything we do must tell a story that inspires, our people to support us on our journey of growth, leading the way for artisan baking in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the production team during shifts, ensuring tasks are delegated and completed to meet targets.
• Support and coach less experienced staff to develop skills.
• Maintain safety, hygiene, and quality standards, operating equipment to produce top-quality baked goods.
• Step in for the department manager when required, ensuring smooth operations.
• Report and resolve equipment issues promptly, and monitor stock levels.

Qualifications

• Passion for baking and high-quality products.
• Quick learner with strong coaching skills.
• Calm under pressure, with excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Previous experience leading a team ideally in a food manufacture

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Grow with us – clear career progression and ongoing training to help you reach your full potential.
• Tasty perks – enjoy our freshly baked products on your break and take some home to share with friends and family.
• Exclusive savings – 40–50% discount at The Bread Factory and GAIL’s Bakery.
• Wellbeing support – access to a 24-hour GP service whenever you need it.
• More than just a job – access to our company benefits platform with a range of discounts, rewards, and offers.

Location: Blakelands, Milton Keynes, MK14 5BU

Hours: 3pm-11pm

Pay: £14.70 per hour

Shift: Any 5 days out of 7

Care Values

We care about Job Well Done:

Since 1993, we have been champions in traditional baking with the finest ingredients and techniques. We always do things the right way, not the easy way.

We care about Baking:

At The Bread Factory all our teams take pride in crafting beautiful, freshly baked loaves, pastries, and cakes. We are all passionate about our products and share knowledge among us all.

We care about each other:

We always act with respect, empathy, and support to our employees, neighbours and customers.

We care about community:

We believe in minimising unsustainable practices and reducing waste. Whilst ensuring we continue to provide everyone with nutritious high-quality food.

We care about nature:

We’re committed to sustainability across our supply chain—from reducing waste and reusing surplus to supporting regenerative farming that helps restore the planet.