Food Production Manager

We are looking for an experienced, detail-oriented Food Production Manager to lead on the growth of our seasonal, transparently-sourced ready-to-eat range.

Working alongside our Sourcing team and Kitchen Manager, you'll leverage your expertise in scaling production to ensure consistent quality and efficiency as we expand our unique Food to Go program.

Based in our Bermondsey office, you will have unrivalled access to the quality ingredients that we supply into some of the best kitchens in London, you will coordinate the launch of dips, juices, and sauces and develop a strong range that resonates with our shop customers, partners (including Waitrose, GAIL’s, Ocado) and professional kitchens alike. Your hands-on experience in production processes will be essential in order to make your improvements scalable, food-safe and consistent. With a keen eye for detail and a real knack for problem-solving, you will be particularly adept at analysing data to optimise production costs while maintaining exceptional flavour.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the expansion of Natoora's seasonal and transparently sourced Food to Go program. Strengthen the current product range, conducting market research and competitor analysis to understand trends and preferences, identifying new market opportunities, attending trade shows and researching consumer trends.
• Ensure consistent high-quality and efficient output in the kitchen, including implementing and maintaining best practices.
• Coordinate the launch of new dips, juices, and sauces, managing recipe development, cost analysis, and pilot testing.
• Oversee inventory control measures to minimise waste and ensure the availability of necessary ingredients and packaging.
• Analyse data to optimise production costs while maintaining exceptional quality, identifying areas for waste reduction and cost savings without sacrificing flavour.
• Implement scalable, food-safe, and consistent improvements to production processes in the kitchen. Ensure adherence to the highest quality standards, implementing and overseeing quality control procedures throughout the production process.
• Address production issues and ensure smooth operations, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Champion a commitment to food safety regulations and best practices, conducting regular audits and ensuring compliance with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles.
• Lead, motivate, and train a team of production staff, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and quality.
• Prepare regular reports on production metrics, challenges, and achievements, providing insights to senior management for informed decision-making.

ABOUT YOU

• 3+ years of experience in high-volume/growth food production environments, demonstrating success in scaling production efficiently while maintaining quality.
• Experience with commercial kitchen equipment, including operation, maintenance, and cleaning procedures.
• A strong understanding of food safety management practices (HACCP preferred), production processes, and cost control measures.
• A genuine passion for creating impactful recipes rooted in fresh, seasonal produce with a less-is-more approach: leaning on simplicity and high-quality ingredients.
• A strong commitment to Natoora's values of transparency and seasonality, ensuring these principles are reflected in product development and sourcing - and knowing where and when to compromise for scale.
• The ability to effectively lead, motivate, and train a team of production staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment focused on safety, efficiency, and quality.
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt to different personalities, communicate effectively across departments, and handle challenging situations with diplomacy.
• Strong analytical skills with a keen eye for detail and a focus on continuous improvement. Ability to use data (e.g., production reports, costs) to optimise processes and identify areas for cost savings without compromising quality.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes of production issues and implement effective corrective actions to maintain smooth operations.
• A strong understanding of commercial principles, budgeting, and financial awareness to manage production costs effectively.
• The ability to effectively implement changes to processes and procedures, gaining buy-in from the team and ensuring a smooth transition.
• High-level computer literacy with proficiency in using Google Suite applications (Sheets, Docs) for data analysis, reporting, and other relevant tasks.

PERKS

• Daily lunch made with the same seasonal produce we supply to chefs
• Natoora produce at a significant discount
• Your birthday off (once you've hit the 6-month mark)
• Kitchen stocked from our own growers and producers - including Estate Dairy milk and butter, jam from England Preserves as well as coffee from our Spa Terminus neighbours Monmouth

Our vision for a better food system is built on real human relationships and a diversity of experience, perspective and ideas. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

Email us your CV and tell us why you want to join the team.