Bakery Operative - Fixed Term

Allied Bakeries are owned by Associated British Foods. ABF is a diversified international food, ingredients and retail group with sales of £20.1bn and 138,000 employees in 56 countries. It has significant businesses in Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia. Our sister companies in ABF UK Grocery produce products under many market-leading household brands, including Jordans, Ryvita, Pataks, Blue Dragon & Silver Spoon.

We are proud of our brands: we make top 10 UK grocery brand Kingsmill as well as Allinson’s, Bürgen and Sunblest. You’ll know us best through our white, wholemeal and seeded market-leading loaves, as well as Kingsmill 50/50, the nation’s favourite Healthier White, and our delicious pancakes, crumpets, hot cross buns and other bakery products.

The success of our business depends on us having the right people on the team. We are incredibly passionate about our business, but it isn’t for the faint-hearted – it’s pacey and demanding so our people need to have a positive attitude and to want to work inclusively. We take massive pride in what we do, not least in how colleagues based in our bakeries and depots have one of the best safety performance records in the industry.

Our Grocery Service Centre, based near Liverpool, is a hub for transactional activity across multiple ABF companies within the ABF Grocery division. Supporting some of our well-known brands such as Kingsmill, Pataks, Blue Dragon, Jordans, Ryvita and Silver Spoon, amongst others. We deliver Shared Service activities across a wide range of disciplines including Customer Services, Consumer Care, Finance, Payroll, HR and IS.

If you’re looking to join a business that is passionate, encourages you to be the best you can be, and values its people, we’d love to hear from you.

Overview Of Role

Location: West Brom

Ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of something great? As a Bakery Operative, you’ll play a key role in producing high-quality products using modern bakery equipment, all while working as part of a friendly, high-performing team. This is a fantastic 6-month fixed-term opportunity to gain hands-on experience, grow your skills, and contribute to a business that values quality, safety, and teamwork. If you’re motivated, reliable, and keen to learn – we’d love to welcome you to the team!

Key Accountabilities

• Champion a ‘Safety First’ Culture: Play an active role in maintaining a safe working environment by following all internal AB policies and procedures. Your commitment to safety helps protect your team and keeps operations running smoothly.
• Deliver Excellence in Product Quality: Take pride in producing high-quality baked goods that meet and exceed customer expectations. You’ll be a key part of ensuring our products leave the line perfect, every time.
• Support Our Production Success: Contribute to the successful delivery of the daily and weekly production plans, keeping efficiency and consistency at the forefront of everything you do.
• Invest in Your Growth: Take ownership of your personal development by identifying your training needs and participating in regular 1:1s. We’re passionate about continuous learning and will support you in building your skills and confidence.
• Be a Voice for Best Practice: Actively share your ideas, experience, and insights to help improve how we work. You’ll be encouraged to contribute to a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the bakery team.
  
  

Additional Opportunities

At Allied Bakeries, we value flexibility, curiosity, and a proactive mindset. While your main role will be in bakery operations, you may occasionally have the chance to support other areas of the business. This is a great opportunity to broaden your experience, build your skill set, and develop a more rounded understanding of our operation – all while making a meaningful impact where it’s needed most.

The Right Person

What You’ll Need To Succeed (Essential)

• Strong Awareness of Health & Food Safety: You understand the importance of working safely and hygienically in a food production environment and are committed to upholding the highest standards.
• Solid Numeracy & Literacy Skills: You’re confident with basic maths, reading, and accurately recording key production data – all vital for keeping operations running smoothly and efficiently.
  
  

What Will Help You Stand Out (Advantageous)

• Food Hygiene & GMP Expertise: If you're already familiar with Good Manufacturing Practices, ABSS standards, or food hygiene protocols, you'll hit the ground running.
• Knowledge of the Baking Process: A good understanding of how bakery products are made – from dough prep to the oven – is a big plus.
• Relevant Certifications: Holding a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (CIEH Level 2), IOSH, or equivalent health and safety qualifications shows your dedication to professional standards.
• Mechanical Aptitude: If you have basic engineering skills or mechanical empathy, you’ll be well-positioned to work effectively with our machinery and troubleshoot minor issues.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Familiarity with CI techniques means you’re ready to help us find smarter, more efficient ways to work every day.
• Tech Confidence: Comfortable using basic computer systems and interacting with HMI (Human-Machine Interface) screens to monitor or input data.