In this series, British Baker talks to people from across the baking industry to find out about their career path, what their job involves, and the latest trends that are shaping their work.
We’re looking to showcase a diverse range of talent and job types across the industry, so if you’d like to be involved, please email dan.riley@wrbm.com.
Name: Paul Mitchell
Age: 42
Job title: Logistics and events manager
Company and location: Knead Bakery, Malmesbury, Wiltshire
Education: Travel and tourism GNVQ
Tell us about your career to date:
I started at Knead Bakery three years ago after being made redundant from my previous job. Not knowing what I wanted to do, I applied for a delivery driver position and was successful. I was then offered the position of logistics coordinator, which I accepted with great pride.
A few months later, the company purchased the newest member of its fleet – a bakery van nicknamed Knead on Wheels – which was handed over to me due to my experience in retail. Its remarkable success achieved in a small period of time saw me further promoted to my current role of logistics and events manager.
What does a typical workday involve for you?
I stock the van with freshly-made pastries, savouries, and patisserie treats prepared by the bakers that morning, before following a designated route for that day, serving barista coffees and baked goods at locations around Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. All with the hope of putting a smile on people’s faces.
Tell us about a challenge you have overcome recently:
Finding a recruit for Knead on Wheels as they must be a very confident driver with a great knowledge of the local area, great coffee making skills, a passion to represent the brand on the open road and, of course, a love of bakery.
What are your career highlights so far?
This would have to be our weekend village stops, bringing communities together as a social occasion when we pay a visit. Due to their locations, Knead on Wheels reaches certain customers who would not usually be able to experience our bakery shops and ranges. For many, it’s a highlight of their week and the chance for a meaningful conversation or just a good old catch up.
What’s the biggest misconception about your role?
That it’s just driving a van around all day. You need to be able to perform several additional roles including sales, product knowledge, working under pressure, customer service, and vehicle maintenance.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming talents in the baking industry?
There is a wealth of knowledge in the industry and I have found they have a passion for passing on their expertise to anyone who wants to learn. With hard work and the right mindset, you can go as far as you want to go.
Interested in a career in bakery? Check out Foodmanjobs for the latest vacancies
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