Do you enjoy working with your hands, take pride in producing high-quality food, and thrive in a small, friendly team?
New Forest Shortbread is an award-winning artisan bakery based in the heart of the New Forest. We handcraft traditional all‑butter shortbread using simple, honest ingredients and time‑honoured methods, supplying customers across the UK as well as retailers, hospitality businesses and farm shops.
We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Bakery Production Operative to join our growing team on a part‑time basis.
This is a varied role that combines bakery production with packing and fulfilment activities. One day you may be mixing and preparing dough, and the next helping to pack orders ready for dispatch or preparing stock for a show or customer delivery.
What you’ll be doing
- Producing and baking our award‑winning shortbread
- Preparing ingredients and mixing dough
- Packing and labelling products
- Picking and fulfilling customer orders
- Monitoring stock levels and rotating ingredients
- Maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene
- Supporting colleagues across production and packing activities
- Helping to keep the bakery organised, clean and efficient
We’re looking for someone who
- Has excellent attention to detail
- Takes pride in producing quality products
- Is reliable, punctual and hardworking
- Enjoys working as part of a team
- Is willing to learn and get involved in all areas of the bakery
- Can work efficiently whilst maintaining high standards
Previous bakery, food production or manufacturing experience would be beneficial but is not essential for the right person.
Job Title: Bakery Production Operative
Job Type: Part time 5 month fixed term contract
Working hours: 3‑4 days a week to include Monday, Wednesday and Fridays 6am‑2pm
Salary: Negotiable based on experience
Day‑to‑Day Supervision: Director of Production or designated Shift Lead
Job Overview
As a Bakery Production Operative, you will play a key role in producing and packing our award‑winning handcrafted shortbread. Working as part of a small, skilled team, you will support all stages of production, from ingredient preparation and baking through to packing and quality control.
This role requires attention to detail, a commitment to quality and food safety, and a proactive approach to supporting the smooth running of the bakery.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Baking
- Accurately weigh and prepare ingredients in accordance with recipes and production schedules.
- Mix doughs and prepare products using both manual methods and bakery equipment.
- Roll, cut and shape dough to required specifications.
- Operate ovens and baking equipment, monitoring temperatures, timings and product quality throughout the baking process.
- Ensure products meet New Forest Shortbread’s standards for appearance, texture and taste.
- Pack products into the correct packaging and presentation formats.
- Label products accurately and ensure packaging meets company standards.
- Prepare products for customer orders, stock replenishment and events as required.
Quality & Food Safety
- Carry out quality checks throughout the production process.
- Record ingredient batch numbers and maintain accurate production records.
- Report any quality concerns, equipment faults or food safety issues promptly.
- Follow all food safety, allergen management, health and safety and hygiene procedures.
Stock & Equipment Management
- Monitor ingredient and packaging stock levels and notify the Production Manager of replenishment requirements.
- Ensure stock is correctly rotated and date‑controlled.
- Clean equipment and work areas to required standards.
- Complete daily opening and closing checks.
- Ensure equipment is maintained in a safe and operational condition.
Team Support
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across production and packing activities.
- Support other areas of the business when required.
- Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to undertake a variety of tasks.
- Demonstrate initiative by identifying and undertaking productive tasks during quiet periods without requiring direct instruction, including cleaning, organising, stock management and continuous improvement activities.
Additional Duties
- Undertake any other duties reasonably required to support the effective operation of the business.
Person Specification
- Good attention to detail and ability to follow instructions accurately.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to work methodically.
- Ability to work efficiently whilst maintaining quality standards.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including standing for extended periods and lifting bakery ingredients and products safely.
- Commitment to food safety, hygiene and quality standards.
- Reliable, punctual and dependable.
- Previous experience within a bakery, food production or manufacturing environment.
- Experience of maintaining production records and stock control systems.
- Knowledge of allergen management and food safety procedures.
Personal Attributes
- Takes pride in producing high‑quality products.
- Positive and proactive attitude.
- Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing business needs.
- Self‑motivated and able to use initiative.
- Demonstrates care, attention and consistency in all aspects of work.
- Shares the company’s commitment to quality, teamwork and customer satisfaction.
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