Job Title: Head of Empanada Production
Location: London (Kitchen-based, supplying 4 current stores with plans to expand to 12)
Salary: £34,000 – £45,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Job Type: Full-time
About Us
Nourished Communities is a vibrant, growing retail business committed to providing delicious, high-quality food that connects communities. With four thriving retail stores across London and exciting plans to launch eight more over the next year, we’re expanding our in-house food production – starting with empanadas.
We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Head of Empanada Production to lead our kitchen operations, creating consistently high-quality empanadas to supply our current stores and future sites. This is a hands-on role for someone who understands the importance of taste, scale, and operational efficiency.
You’ll be responsible for developing recipes, managing production schedules, maintaining food safety standards, and ensuring every empanada meets our Nourished Communities quality promise.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day empanada production in our central kitchen
- Develop, test, and refine empanada recipes for variety, quality, and consistency
- Plan and scale production to meet the needs of 4 current retail stores (and 8 more opening in the next year)
- Manage inventory, ordering, and supplier relationships
- Hire, train, and oversee a small team of kitchen staff as production grows
- Maintain hygiene and food safety standards in line with regulations
- Collaborate with store teams and leadership on feedback and new product ideas
- Identify and implement ways to improve efficiency and reduce waste
About You
- 3+ years of professional kitchen experience, ideally with high-volume production
- Strong knowledge of Latin American/Spanish cuisine – especially empanadas
- Excellent organisational and leadership skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, scaling environment
- Passionate about food quality, sustainability, and community
- Food hygiene certification (Level 2 minimum; Level 3 desirable)
- Flexibility to work early mornings or weekends as needed
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £34,000 – £45,000 depending on experience
- Opportunity to shape a new food production function from the ground up
- Be part of an ambitious and growing food business
- A supportive, food-loving team that values creativity and collaboration
- Staff discounts and opportunities to try new products regularly
To Apply:
Please email your CV and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the role.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £36,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Holidays
Work Location: In person
Expected start date: 01/09/2025
