Kitchen and Production Manager

Little Melly

We're looking for a top-tier Kitchen and Production Manager to lead our culinary and production teams. Your primary mission will be to ensure the kitchen runs like a well-oiled machine, producing top-quality, nutritious baby food, including fresh meals (catering business model) and packaged snacks (manufacturing business model), while maximizing resource efficiency and output.


This role is ideal for a seasoned leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a proven track record of managing both people and processes. You will be responsible for the entire production cycle, from raw ingredients to packaged products ready for retail, with a focus on continuous process optimization, operations/people planning, and product quality.


Responsibilities:

Production and Operations: Oversee all aspects of daily food production, including fresh baby meals and manufactured cookies and snacks (bakery). This entails orchestrating the team across the different processes each day, ensuring there are no delays, disruptions, or idle time.


Team Leadership: Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen and production staff, fostering a positive and highly productive work environment. Manage scheduling, performance reviews, and professional development. This requires you to be highly on the ground, able to lift up your sleeves and contribute to the actual work as needed.


Resource Management: Strategically manage all kitchen resources, including ingredients, labor, and equipment, to minimize waste and maximize output. Identify ways to wash, peel, chop, cook ingredients in efficient ways while respecting food safety standards and ensuring top quality products. Knowledge and experience in cooking and bakery is essential.


Quality Control: Uphold the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and quality. Ensure all products meet or exceed company and regulatory standards (ISO 22000 certification and above).


Process Optimization: Continuously analyze and improve production workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase output. Identify and implement new technologies or methods to streamline operations. Monitor daily output and report on all KPIs to management.



Qualifications


Proven experience in a high-volume food production or kitchen management role, preferably within the food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.

Strong leadership skills with a history of successfully leading and motivating a team.

Excellent understanding of food safety regulations (e.g., ISO, HACCP, GMP) and quality control processes.

Demonstrated ability to optimize production processes and manage resources effectively.

Exceptional problem-solving skills and a proactive, results-driven mindset.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.