About Us The Original Baker is a leading manufacturer of premium sweet and savoury baked products, skilfully crafted in a traditional and time-honoured way.
With a national presence, The Original Baker has gained a sought-after reputation within the artisan food sector.
From our modern, well-equipped factory in Malton, North Yorkshire, we produce a range of delicious and high-quality goods for consumers through retail and wholesale channels.
Our team of over 100 dedicated employees is passionate about delivering exceptional service and maintaining the highest standards of quality.
The Original Baker is part of the Olidor Group which has ambitious plans for sustainable, profitable business growth within the food sector.
The Group also includes Brusco Food Group, a leading supplier of the finest quality ingredients and Karimix, a manufacturer of premium pastes and sauces.
Across the Group we share a passion for quality, integrity and innovation.
About the Role The Managing Director will provide strategic, commercial and operational leadership for The Original Baker.
Working closely with key stakeholders, the Managing Director will develop and execute the business strategy whilst creating a highly engaged and high-performance culture to ensure that ambitious growth plans are delivered.
Alongside relevant food manufacturing experience, ideally within the bakery sector, the Managing Director will bring exceptional leadership and communication skills, financial awareness and commercial acumen.
Food safety and allergen awareness is essential; knowledge of SALSA and/or BRC standards is desirable.
Key Responsibilities Work closely with the Production Director to ensure the site runs effectively and safely, producing and distributing a range of high-quality food products.
Work with the Group CEO and Commercial Director to deliver the strategic business plan and achieve ambitious sales targets.
Take responsibility for the overall financial performance, including managing budgets and the P&L with the support of the Group Finance Director and onsite Finance team.
Work with the Group Head of People to establish The Original Baker as an employer of choice to attract, retain and develop the best talent to deliver Company goals.
Lead positive culture change, embodying and embedding our core values and using communication, involvement and recognition strategies to develop a highly engaged team.
Carry out line management activities as needed, including workforce planning, training, conducting effective 1:1 meetings and performance reviews.
Manage any escalated employee relations issues with the support of the onsite HR Manager and Group People team.
Work with the Commercial Director to ensure that marketing activities enhance our brand reputation, driving new business and contributing to sales growth.
Represent the business at Group or external events, including attendance at business meetings, trade exhibitions and industry conferences both across the UK and abroad.
Deliver positive results through effective working relationships within the wider Olidor Group and with external customers, partners and suppliers.
Take overall responsibility for Health and Safety for the site, ensuring safe working practices.
Ensure high food safety standards in line with SALSA/BRC standards.
Seek continuous improvement in strategic plans, systems, processes and people as the business grows.
Skills & Experience Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in a food manufacturing environment.
2 years experience as Managing Director or Sales/Commercial Director.
Demonstrable track record of driving change and delivering results in a rapidly growing business.
Financial awareness with data analysis and problem-solving skills.
Exceptional leadership skills; people focused, able to build trust, lead positive culture change and develop effective working relationships at all levels.
Commercial and entrepreneurial, with a business owner mindset.
Ability to translate strategic plans into clear actions and KPIs.
Clear verbal and written communication skills, effective listening skills and an inclusive and collaborative approach.
Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects.
Proficient with Microsoft Office and ERP/CRM systems.
Flexible about adopting a hands-on approach as needed.
High standards of numeracy, literacy and attention to detail.
Growth mindset, with a continuous improvement approach.
Open and honest with high standards of personal integrity.
Driven to make a positive difference to business growth.
Salary: £100k per annum (dependant on experience and skills) plus Company car or car allowance, discretionary profit related bonus & benefits.
Working Arrangements: Full time, hybrid position based in Malton, North Yorkshire, with an expectation of 3/4 days on site and 1/2 days working from home or on the road meeting suppliers / customers.