The Bread Factory
Product and Process Development Chef
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About Us
The Bread Factory is the UK's leading artisan bakery. Founded by Gail Meija in 1993, The Bread Factory, originally known as Gail Force, began by supplying some of London's most prestigious restaurants, including many with Michelin stars. More than three decades later, we continue to work closely with the best chefs, alongside grocers, foodservice partners, and our own neighbourhood bakery, GAIL's.
The Bread Factory is synonymous with quality. We have been awarded more than 100 Great Taste Awards and have held a Royal Warrant since 2016, when it was first granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In 2024, the warrant was renewed by His Majesty The King.
We source our ingredients thoughtfully, partnering with farmers and millers who align with our values. The result: delicious, carefully made baked goods that support a more sustainable and nutritious food system; bringing great bread to more tables every day.
About the Role
Every day is different at The Bread Factory, but here are some of the things you will be doing:
- Translating product briefs from our creative studio and customers into products that delight and meet their requirements.
- Working closely with Procurement to source ingredients of a suitable quality.
- Ensuring ingredients used in product development have the appropriate Technical approval.
- Getting hands-on in the kitchen to produce high-quality product samples for internal and external presentations, tastings, and approvals.
- Developing and adapting existing recipes to maintain or improve taste, texture, quality, and cost.
- Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and testing new ingredients, processes, and techniques.
- Working closely with Production teams to plan, carry out, and document production trials.
- Producing detailed trial reports covering recipes, line settings, adjustments, SPC data, and other relevant process information.
- Collecting objective product measurements such as dimensions, water activity (Aw), pH, and other relevant data.
- Supporting trials through to finished packaging where required, ensuring packaging is also evaluated.
- Supporting the commissioning of new equipment and ensuring a smooth transition from existing production processes and techniques.
- Attending first production runs and providing ongoing support to Production where required.
- Supporting Production with troubleshooting and resolving manufacturing issues.
- Developing process specifications for our product range in line with the site's manufacturing capabilities.
- Creating Quality Attribute Standards from production trial samples, agreed with Customer, Production, and Technical teams.
- Providing accurate recipe costing.
- Staying ahead of consumer tastes, food trends, and market developments.
- Arranging ingredients and products for tastings, approvals, and development activity.
- Setting up recipes with photographs and clear information to ensure products are ready for handover to Production.
- Keeping all production trial, development, and process documentation accurate and up to date.
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About You
Our team tells us you will be a great addition if you have:
- A genuine passion for food and a real foodie mindset.
- Several years' experience in a food environment, such as a restaurant, bakery, food manufacturing, or Product Development role.
- Experience of developing and launching commercially viable food products.
- Experience developing recipes using factory processes and an understanding of large-scale food production.
- A Chef, Bakery, or food-related qualification is desirable.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of manufacturing capabilities, systems, and processing parameters.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across the business.
- Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
- The ability to manage your time effectively and work to tight deadlines.
- Good numeracy and computer skills.
- An understanding of product quality and nutrition.
- Creative and innovative thinking, with the ability to turn ideas into practical solutions.
- The ability to work independently, use sound judgement, and make confident decisions.
- The ability to build relationships, encourage, and motivate others.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
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What Success Looks Like
- Bringing customer briefs to life and developing them into successful commercial products.
- Delivering scale-up trials through to launch.
- Successful product launches, delivered on time, to cost, and with quality at the heart.
- Achieving agreed Development and Innovation targets.
- Building strong, collaborative relationships across Production, Technical, Procurement, and the wider business.
What’s in it for You
- Fresh bread daily to take home to enjoy with family and friends.
- 50% discount at GAIL’s and 40% off at The Bread Factory & The Flour Station Markets.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
- Discounts and Savings from high-street retailers and restaurants.
- 24-hour GP service.
- Cycle to work scheme.
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