In this series, British Baker speaks to people from across the baking industry to find out about their career path, what their current job involves, and their ambitions for the future.
Name: Bradley O’Hara
Age: 26
Job title: Team leader
Company & location: Panificio Italiano, Iver, Bucks
Education: Team Leader/Supervisor Apprenticeship Level 3 with Heart of England Training Ltd (ongoing)
How did you start your career in the baking industry?
I was working as a bartender but was sadly made redundant due to lockdown. I saw a job advert for Panificio Italiano, was very interested to learn about baking and, after passing my interview successfully, I joined the team in September 2020. Despite having no prior bakery knowledge or experience, I was able to work my way up from operative to team leader.
What does a typical workday involve?
It involves assisting the production manager to achieve our daily targets within the bakery. We work to a production plan with 24 hours’ notice to produce roughly 30% ambient 70% frozen products, although this may vary.
Every day brings its own challenges, like staffing levels and varying production demands. I must remain flexible and adaptable to resolve those challenges, with support from the management team.
What is the most enjoyable part of your job?
I think it’s organising the way the shift is running. If the shift runs smoothly, it gives me enormous satisfaction at the end to know that I was a part of something great that day. I have learned that staff organisation and forward-planning with careful preparations are key to a successful shift.
I also love working with a variety of doughs and seeing how many different products you can make. These include the likes of ciabatta, sourdough, brioche, focaccia, wholemeal bread, seeded loaves, and tomato and herb items. Within the four years of my employment at Panificio Italiano, I’ve witnessed and participated in making over 100 different types of products.
How has undertaking an apprenticeship enhanced your capabilities?
It has definitely made me more competent as a team leader and improved my organisational skills. The programme has helped enhance my capabilities in people management and effective stakeholder engagement too.
While applying these skills in practice, I noticed myself thinking outside the box when assisting operational management. My company has also assisted me by allowing me to take time out the day to work on my apprenticeship.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself stronger and more knowledgeable, which will allow me to grow in this working environment. If there is opportunity for more professional development, I will 100% be committed. My goal is to keep on learning and improving, and hopefully one day be able to take the step up to become a production manager within the company.
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