Central Kitchen Operation Manager

Site-based role Central Kitchen, North Acton, London
Salary: £60,000 per annum
Reports to: Operations Director

Job Overview

We are looking for an experienced and highly capableCentral Kitchen Operations Managerto lead the full operational performance of our Central Kitchen. This is asite-based leadership roleresponsible for production, product consistency, compliance, food safety, people development, and operational excellence at scale.

You will own the production environment end-to-end ensuring accuracy, quality, and efficiency across all processes, while driving continuous improvement and supporting Pures growth as a multi-channel, multi-site food business.

This is a role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced CPU/CK environment, is deeply organised, understands traceability and SALSA standards, and can lead a team to deliver consistent output with pride.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the entire Central Kitchen team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and wellbeing.
• Recruit, onboard, and train team members (including night shifts where applicable).
• Build strong succession plans (Plan Bs) and maintain an accurate organisational structure.
• Ensure daily briefs, performance check-ins, and strong communication channels.
• Uphold high standards of professionalism, teamwork, and engagement.

Operational Leadership

• Oversee all day-to-day Central Kitchen operations to deliver safe, consistent, high-quality food at scale.
• Ensure all production meets agreed specifications, weight, portions, and presentation standards.
• Maintain full compliance with food safety, HACCP, SALSA, FoodBuy, and EHO requirements.
• Implement and maintaintraceability systems, batch coding, and robust record keeping.
• Build and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to standardise workflow, minimise waste, and improve accuracy.
• Lead CP processes, daily run sheets, night shift workflows, and end-of-shift cleaning routines.
• Manage equipment, maintenance schedules, and ensure the site remains fully operational at all times.

Project Management & Strategic Improvement

• Drive operational improvement projects including automation, digital traceability, process redesign, and new equipment implementation.
• Lead strategic long-term development of the Central Kitchen including potential relocation, expansion, or infrastructure upgrades.
• Partner cross-functionally with Retail, Menu Development, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations to ensure alignment and innovation.
• Analyse operational data to identify trends, reduce waste, improve efficiency, and strengthen throughput.

Financial Accountability

• Manage the fullP&L for the Central Kitchen, ensuring labour, waste, purchasing, and overheads stay within target.
• Produce accurate forecasts, budgets, and weekly financial reports.
• Constantly look for cost efficiencies without compromising product quality.
• Control ordering, purchasing, and supplier performance for optimal value and consistency.

Quality, Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all products consistently meet Pure's highest quality standards.
• Maintain and strengthen quality assurance systems, cross-checking production accuracy, weights, temperatures, and shelf life.
• Conduct internal audits and ensure readiness for SALSA, EHO, and internal compliance checks at all times.
• Implement corrective actions swiftly when deviations occur.
• Create a culture where food safety is non-negotiable at every stage.

Required Experience

To be successful in this role, you must have:

• Significant experience in a Central Kitchen, CPU, large-scale kitchen, or food manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with traceability systems, SALSA standards, HACCP, and structured compliance procedures.
• Proven ability to build and implement new processes, SOPs, and production workflows.
• Demonstrated experience managing large, diverse teams across multiple shifts.
• Strong financial acumen and experience owning a P&L.
• Project management experience, ideally including automation or infrastructure upgrades.
• High organisational ability, calm under pressure, and solutions-focused.
• A passion for quality, consistency, and operational excellence.

What Your First 6 Months May Look Like

Within six months, you will have:

• Strengthened and stabilised your leadership team, creating a clear structure for success.
• Implemented improvements in traceability, automation, and SALSA procedures.
• Reduced waste, improved accuracy, and optimised batch production workflows.
• Built strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams.
• Created a long-term operational strategy that enables the Central Kitchen to scale sustainably through new processes, equipment upgrades, or potential site development.

Our Values at Pure

At Pure, everything we do is guided by our values:

• THOUGHTFUL:We communicate clearly and act with awareness and respect.
• PASSIONATE:We bring energy, joy, and pride to our work.
• INVENTIVE:We move fast, stay agile, and take accountability.
• GENEROUS:We support each other and act with kindness every day.

These values shape how we work, lead, and deliver excellence across the Central Kitchen and the wider Pure family.

? Ready to Lead Our Central Kitchen?

If youre driven, operationally strong, passionate about food quality, and ready to make a real impact, wed love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the future of Pures Central Kitchen.