Bakery Operator - Sourdough
Location: Croespenmaen
Hours: Nights (Hours to be discussed at Interview)
Who we are
Founded in 1902, Brace’s Bakery is proud to be one of Wales’s most loved bakery brands. With a rich family heritage, the business has been shaped by four generations of the Brace family and continues to build on those strong foundations today.
Now part of the Boparan Private Office portfolio, we are entering an exciting new phase of investment and growth. We supply a wide range of bakery products, including traditional breads, rolls, and sourdough ranges, to major retailers as well as many independent stores across our distribution region, with our reputation firmly rooted in product quality and excellent customer service.
Following the recent consolidation of our production into a single site, we are well positioned to drive innovation, launch new product ranges, and expand into new markets.
As we move into this exciting new era, we are looking for a reliable and detail-focused Bakery Operator to join our team.
About the Role
We are looking for a reliable and detail‑focused Bakery Operators to join our sourdough production team to become a skilled operator, with excellent career opportunities. You will ensure that all products are produced, sliced, packed, labelled, and coded to the highest quality and food safety standards. You will play a key part in maintaining the smooth, safe, and efficient operation of both the production plant and slicing hall. This is a fast‑paced environment where accuracy, ownership, and attention to detail are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Production Operations
- Follow sourdough recipes, production specifications, and process controls to ensure a consistent, high-quality product.
- Prepare, monitor, and maintain liquid ferments and doughs in line with production schedules and fermentation requirements.
- Ensure product quality is maintained throughout the fermentation, mixing, dividing, moulding, baking, cooling, slicing, and packing processes.
- Set up, operate, monitor, and adjust bakery plant equipment to ensure efficient production flow and minimise downtime.
- Carry out line changeovers, equipment adjustments, and product changeovers in line with company procedures.
- Ensure production lines run efficiently to meet output targets and the daily production plan.
- Conduct in-process quality checks, including dough consistency, fermentation development, product appearance, weight, dimensions, and finished specifications.
- Monitor critical production parameters and report any deviations that may impact product quality or food safety.
- Ensure correct packaging, labelling, tagging, and date coding are applied to all products.
- Conduct CCP checks, including metal detection and other food safety controls, in line with company procedures.
- Accurately record production, quality, and food safety checks using company systems and handheld devices where required.
Documentation & Compliance
- Complete all required production, quality, traceability, and food safety documentation accurately and on time.
- Ensure all activities comply with company procedures, HACCP requirements, hygiene policies, health & safety standards, food safety standards, and statutory regulations.
- Support allergen management, traceability, and product integrity requirements across all production areas.
Communication & Teamwork
- Work closely with Production, Dispatch, Engineering, Food Safety, and Team Leaders to ensure smooth operational flow.
- Support and coordinate with colleagues across fermentation, mixing, production, slicing, and packing areas.
- Assist with training and mentoring team members on equipment operation, production procedures, and quality standards where required.
- Communicate equipment issues, quality concerns, and production variances promptly to the Team Leader or Shift Manager.
Hygiene, Cleaning & Maintenance
- Maintain a high standard of housekeeping using a clean-as-you-go approach.
- Carry out cleaning and sanitation activities in accordance with hygiene schedules and food safety requirements.
- Perform basic fault finding, equipment inspections, and first-line maintenance tasks following training.
- Ensure all production materials, ingredients, and equipment are available, clean, and safe for use.
- Assist with washdowns and preparation of equipment between production runs to maintain operational efficiency and hygiene standards.
What We’re Looking For
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.
- Strong communication skills and a positive team attitude and approach.
- Good under pressure with excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Able to follow procedures and work to tight deadlines.
- Understanding of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety practices.
- Willingness to learn, develop and meet the business training goals.
- Experience in food production or bakery operations is beneficial but not essential.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Work Location: In person
