Central Production Unit Manager - Monday - Friday

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Job Introduction

Great food in the workplace isn't simply about fuel. It's about increasing productivity and improving performance; it's about happy motivated people and inspiring environments. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do - we live to bring food and people together.

We are brave, bold and curious adventurers in food and drink. Never shy of being different, always challenging the conventional.

Our passionate team of chefs, baristas, servers, nutritionists and much more, love nothing more than creating memorable moments that enrich the everyday. Come and join our award winning teams - we are currently recruiting for a Central Production Unit Manager to manage our CPU in Bermondsey.

Job Title: Central Production Unit (CPU) Manager
Location: London Region, SE16 3DH
Salary: £50,000 per annum
Reports to: Operations Director

Role Purpose

The CPU Manager will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Central Production Unit (CPU). This role is pivotal in ensuring the safe, efficient, and consistent production of food, while maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and quality. The CPU Manager will be accountable for operational delivery, compliance, stock management, and leading the CPU team.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage all aspects of the CPU as a standalone location.
• Ensure all production meets agreed specifications, quality standards, and deadlines.
• Oversee daily operations including ordering, purchasing, invoicing, and stock management.
• Maintain full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company policies.

Team Management

• Recruit, train, and develop a skilled CPU team, including chefs and support staff.
• Implement shift patterns, including night shifts, to optimise output and kitchen efficiency.
• Drive a culture of accountability, wellbeing, and high performance among all team members.
• Ensure end-of-shift cleaning and maintenance procedures are consistently followed.

Collaboration

• Work closely with the Culinary Lead (Ben) on menu rotation, food innovation, hospitality, and chef wellbeing.
• Partner with Operations on health & safety audits, purchasing processes, and compliance checks.
• Liaise with equipment suppliers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure the CPU is fully resourced and operational.

Equipment & Facilities

• Take responsibility for the upkeep and functionality of all CPU equipment.
• Ensure repairs, servicing, and maintenance schedules are adhered to.
• Oversee stockroom and kitchen organisation, including chef whites and locker provisions.

Reporting & Accountability

• Report regularly on production output, stock levels, costs, and labour usage.
• Monitor and control budgets, ensuring cost efficiency without compromising quality.
• Escalate risks, issues, or opportunities to the Operations Director.

Key Skills & Experience

• Strong leadership experience in a large-scale kitchen, CPU, or food production environment.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and health & safety standards.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, purchasing, and stock control.
• Experience in staff management, training, and team development.
• Organised, process-driven, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards.

What We Offer

• £50,000 annual salary
• Opportunity to lead a flagship CPU operation within the London region
• Career development opportunities within a growing organisation
• A collaborative culture, working alongside culinary and operational leaders

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives on operational excellence, takes pride in food quality, and can inspire a team to deliver consistently at scale.

What's in it for you?

Working with Vacherin has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.

• Personal Development and Training opportunities
• Life assurance scheme
• Pension scheme
• Holiday allowance
• Private medical eligibility
• Eye care
• A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
• Family friendly support

• Regular social events and communication with our leaders
• A holiday purchase scheme
• Volunteering days
• Professional subscriptions
• Recognition schemes and people awards
• Long service awards
• Access to some great high street discount vouchers