Operations Manager

Location: Christchurch, BH23 5ET

Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum

Our client is a long established and reputable independently owned bakery situated just outside the New Forest between Bournemouth and Southampton.

Over 40 years the business has developed a unique style where they integrate traditional products with Speciality and Artisan bread cakes and savouries that are sold through their shop but also events, shows, markets and within buffets and from outside catering outlets.

The Role

The business has reached a point where further expansion and controls of day to day activities are restricted both through the declining health of the Managing Director and the lack of an Operations Manager who will effectively replace the MD.

This is an exciting and unusual position which will require an experienced hands on operator with relevant experience in a multi plex business. It is very much a leading role which will encompass day to day activities that will drive both the expansion into agreed areas but also ensure bottom line profits are being met.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Profit and loss accounts. Ensuring that all agreed targets are met and that correct paperwork is always correctly and efficiently maintained. A daily and weekly current account report for MD with weekly meeting and analyses.
• Teaching, training staff, motivation, leading by example and monitoring of all staff to ensure maximum efficiency is achieved through their performances and recruitment of staff.
• Producing and overseeing rotas and time sheets/payroll.
• Organising repairs/replacements of machinery as necessary.
• Controlling costs and waste in particular
• Overseeing and/or making orders
• Negotiating with suppliers to obtain best discounts
• Visiting new and current buyers and visiting markets weekly to ensure compliance and progression plus the advancement of standards.
• Ensuring cleaning schedules are robustly monitored and all labelling/allergen and intolerances are up to date and strictly adhered to.

Skills and Qualifications

The following criteria must be met to ensure success for the Operations Manager and the business:

• Catering experience in relevant areas but probably a chef background with event/buffet work within that background
• A previous business owner who understands about profit and loss and the essential activities that raise profits and lower costs without compromising their core activities. They understand that you often fail your way to success so having lost a business won’t be a barrier to an application.
• Social media advertising and experience in general effective and targeted marketing
• Sales experience where achieving up selling, higher spend per head, and speed of service is paramount
• Excellent customer service ability with the relevant personality and character to ensure all customers receive a good experience
• A full driving licence with no more than 3 points
• Full knowledge of all compliances, legal requirements, and Food Handling qualifications is essential. First Aid knowledge is also required.
• Market and sales experience at events including the booking and setting up/taking down of events is preferable
• Experience in dealing with discipline procedures and complaints.

This is not an exhaustive list but successful and professional experience in most of the mentioned areas is vital otherwise the role won’t work.

They must stress this is a hands on role and you will be expected to work in the shop as and when necessary, perhaps run an event or market, compile a buffet and deliver it, make the finest sandwiches, assist in the bakery with finishing and packing as well as many other tasks at the same time!

If you cannot fulfil and commit passionately to the above please do not apply. BUT if you do, and think that you can essentially run the business as your own with agreed controlled expansion targets, then this could be the position for you.

Because of the criteria and importance of the position, they are offering a substantial financial package with no upper limit that will reflect the importance of the role and the time commitment needed to achieve the continued success.

They recognise both the uniqueness of the position and the rarity of the person needed to fulfil it so past Business Experience of running your own business is essential in order to understand the various needs and challenges of this type of business.

In return they would expect the highest performing, passionate and dedicated candidate that is prepared to work the hours that are necessary to ensure the business continues and improves on the trajectory that the owners have spent years establishing. It’s not a position for the faint hearted but you will be supported and instructed fully so that there is no ambiguity in the role and activities.

Please only apply if you fit the criteria and are prepared to make the business your own and an even more successful one then it already is.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable company, please do not hesitate to apply.

Contact information

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