Bakery Production Manager (with Product Development) - Thomas the Baker

Location: Helmsley, North Yorkshire
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 per year
Contract: Full-time, permanent

Thomas the Baker is a proudly family‑run business with more than five decades of craft baking heritage. With a network of shops many across North Yorkshire and a reputation for quality, consistency and traditional methods, the company has built a loyal customer base and a strong community presence. Their production teams work with high‑quality ingredients, time‑honoured techniques and a genuine passion for great food.

Thomas the Baker are seeking an experienced Bakery Production and Product Development Manager to take a key leadership role within its established production operation. This position combines operational management, product development oversight and the responsibility for maintaining consistently high standards across the bakery business.

Key Responsibilities

·Oversee the performance and people management of a bakery department, supported by Section Managers and Supervisors.

·Lead the development of new products acrossbreads, pastries, confectionery and savoury, ensuring commercial viability andalignment with the company’s quality standards.

·Drive continuous improvement of existingproducts through recipe refinement, process optimisation and effectiveproduction controls.

·Provide structured training and guidance toproduction teams to ensure consistent standards and adherence to establishedmethods.

·Work collaboratively as part of the SeniorManagement Team to determine product development priorities and operationalfocus areas.

·Produce clear written documentation, includingproduction instructions, process controls and technical specifications.

·Support the sourcing of appropriate ingredientsand equipment, ensuring economic and operational suitability.

·Maintain strong food safety, HACCP and allergenmanagement practices across all relevant areas.

·Work flexibly across shifts when required toembed new processes or support operational needs.

Candidate Profile

·Significant hands‑on experience within bakeryproduction, ideally gained in a retail bakery staffing environment.

·Demonstrable success in developing and launchingcommercially viable bakery products.

·Strong technical understanding of bakeryprocesses, ingredients, nutrition, allergens and labelling requirements.

·Experience in training, coaching and developingteams within a production setting.

·Relevant bakery qualifications are advantageous,including City & Guilds Level 3, BTEC Bakery Technology, or equivalentapprenticeship routes.

·A background in Bakery with knowledge retailbakery would be an advantage.

Package and Benefits

Thomas the Baker offers a supportive, family‑runenvironment with longstanding team and a strong commitment to quality.

·£50,000–£60,000 per year

·Profit share and management bonus scheme

·40% staff discount

·Company pension and life assurance

·Free onsite parking

How to Apply

Castlefield Recruitment is delighted to be supporting Thomas the Baker with this appointment. For an informal discussion on the role or for any further information, please contact Chris Page on 07900 731 075.

Please note that direct approaches and speculative CV’swill be directed to Castlefield Recruitment to be included in the recruitmentprocess

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