ENGLISH PROCESS

1. Mixing & Feeding Dough

After mixing, the dough goes through hopper-shaped feeders. The hoppers
are often lined on the inside with belt material. The mixture is then
transferred to various shaping processes.

2A. Forming Buns

Once the dough has been portioned, there are various ways of creating the
shape required. To create buns, pieces of dough are usually rounded.
Shaped pieces of dough are conveyed for fermentation and optionally for
sprinkling with water.

2B. Forming Bread

After the dough has been portioned, belts moving in opposing directions
give loaves their shape by rounding/forming them. Some of the pieces of
dough are then placed in pans.

3. Proofing
Before they’re baked, finished pieces of dough are left to prove. As these
process takes quite a lot of time, slow, cascading conveyors or spiral towers
are used. Discontinuous processes without conveyor belts are also used.

4. Oven
The finished dough pieces are conveyed through the oven and baked
during the oven cycle. While still hot, they are transferred from the oven belt
to the out-feed belt and sent on for further processing.

5. De-panning
When pieces of dough are baked in pans, they have to be tipped out when
they emerge from the oven. In automated processes, this step is carried out
by a vacuum belt above the conveyor. Suction cups on the belt attach
themselves to the loaves and lift them out of the pan. At the end of the
vacuum belt, the shaped loaves are placed on the next belt.

6. Cooling Section
Before they are put into piles and packaged, the baked goods cool down on
the cooling section and the surfaces dry. Curved conveyors are often added
to the relatively long cooling sections.

7. Detection and Packaging Processes

A range of methods is used to detect whether foreign bodies are present in
the products. These detection processes can be integrated at various points
in the production process. The products are weighed and packaged to
prepare them for sale. The products are usually packaged in bags or trays
and then wrapped. Depending on the machinery and the product, the
products are then labelled, wrapped and/or repackaged and deep frozen if
necessary.

Mixing
The objective is the blending and hydration of dry ingredients, air incorporation and gluten
development for optimum dough handling properties. Variables to monitor and control include mixing
time, energy input, dough temperature:
  Mixing time: a function of flour strength, its protein, damaged starch and non-starch
polysaccharides and bran particles content. Other factors include mixer speed, mixing arm
design, dough size in relation to mixer capacity, adequacy of refrigeration system (dough
temperature) and delayed sugar/fat/salt addition.
 Mixing equipment: vertical (planetary), spiral (open and closed for vacuum mixing),
horizontal, continuous (open and closed).
 Process specifications: 9–15 minutes at high speed in horizontal mixers. Final dough
temperature should be 76–82°F (25–28°C).2

Fermentation
The objective is yeast growth, production of CO2, ethanol and organic acids, development of flavors
and aromas, and modification of dough handling properties. Variables to monitor and control include
fermentation time, temperature, titratable acidity (TTA), pH, microbial count:

 Fermentation time: controlled by the temperature of dough, sponge, starter or pre-ferment,

hydration level (free water), pH, osmotic pressure, yeast food (amino acids, minerals,
fermentable sugars) and yeast level (or lactic acid bacteria count).
 Fermentation equipment: troughs in fermentation room, closed tanks, open tanks, benches.
 Process specifications: 1–20 hours (at room conditions), depending on dough system used.
The temperature in fermentation rooms is typically set between 75–85°F (24–29°C) with a
relative humidity (RH) of 60–80%.2

Makeup
Makeup stage mainly encompasses four operations:

1. Dividing
2. Rounding
3. Intermediate proofing
4. Sheeting and moulding

The divider cuts bulk dough into single pieces of proper weight (with as little stress exerted on dough
as possible) so that these can be rounded and rested prior to taking their final shape. The divider must
process the entire dough load quickly to prevent excessive gassing that creates scaling errors.

The sheeter and moulder encompass the sheeting stage, curling chain, pressure board, and guide
bars. These influence the gas bubble structure, shape and length of the dough piece to place in the
pan.The moulder should be adjusted to achieve the desired shape with a minimum amount of
pressure and stress on the dough to avoid damaging cell structure obtained during mixing and
fermentation.

Baking
The objective is to convert raw dough into bread, set structure of product, crust and crumb formation,
kill-step and shelf-life extension. Variables to monitor and control include temperature, time
(governed in continuous ovens by conveying speed). Other relevant variables include heat flux
(burners), humidity (dampers) and air velocity or flow.

 Baking time: controlled by oven temperature, conveying speed, initial (proofed dough) and
final product temperature, heating pattern, bake loss, product load and formulation.
 Baking equipment: direct-fired oven, indirect-fired oven, electric oven, rack oven, reel oven,
conveyorized, tunnel, hybrid and impingement oven.
 Process specifications: 10–20 minutes at 400–420°F (204–216°C) (heating pattern in
different ovens must be equivalent for comparable results)
BIMBO PRESENTATION

We are an Industry Leader in High-Speed Carrier Solutions with nearly 70

years of Baking Excellence. Since our humble beginnings in 1955, we’ve
been committed to supplying only the highest quality sandwich buns, rolls
and sweet baked goods to the QSR Industry. We are committed to our
customers and work collaboratively across our business as a trusted supplier
partner. This allows us to be a global industry leader in delivering the highest
level of Quality, Service and Innovation in everything we do.

Today, we are a Global Bakery Powerhouse with 49 Bakeries across 23

Countries.

We produce and ship close to 15MM baked goods every day to thousands of
QSR Restaurants Globally.

PRESENTATION BIMBO
Grupo Bimbo est la plus grande entreprise mexicaine active dans le secteur de la transformation
alimentaire, fondée en 1945, elle est l'un ou le plus grand producteur mondial. Les principales
activités de la Société comprennent la production, la distribution et la vente d'une variété de
produits de boulangerie, tels que du pain, des petits pains, des biscuits, des gâteaux, des bonbons,
des chocolats, des collations et des tortillas, ainsi que des aliments transformés. Bimbo offre plus de
13 000 produits sous plus de cent marques connues, Elle possède 169 usines (39 au Mexique et 130 à
l’étranger), trois organismes commerciaux et huit coentreprises. Les produits de Grupo Bimbo sont
vendus dans plus de 2,2 millions de points de vente [1].

1. What are the Roles of a Production Manager?

The interviewer wants to know whether you understand the duties performed by a
oduction manager.

Tip #1: State several roles that are performed by production managers
Tip #2: Demonstrate that you are well-aware of your roles as a production manager

Sample Answer
The production manager works with the production team to plan and schedule
production activities. He or she supervises the team to execute projects as planned,
on time, and within the set budget. Production managers monitor activities and make
appropriate adjustments to schedules for on-time delivery. They determine the
manpower, material, and equipment requirements for projects. Besides, they come
up with production guidelines and programs to support organizational objectives.

2. What are the Qualities of a Good Production Manager?

The interviewer seeks to know whether you understand the qualities that make
production managers successful.
Tip #1: State several qualities that production managers should possess
Tip #1: Support your answer by explaining them briefly

Sample Answer
Excellent communication skills are key as a significant part of this role involves
providing first-hand knowledge concerning projects and directing the production
team. A sound understanding of manufacturing and industry standards is vital to
enable a production manager to implement measures that make sure production
standards are met. Another important quality is knowledge about health and safety
procedures to have a safe and compliant production facility. Other qualities include
good organizational skills, and effective planning and leadership skills.
Excellent communication skills are key as a significant part of this role involves
providing first-hand knowledge concerning projects and directing the production
team. A sound understanding of manufacturing and industry standards is vital to
enable a production manager to implement measures that make sure production
standards are met. Another important quality is knowledge about health and safety
include

3. As a Production Manager, What Motivates You?

The interviewer seeks to gain some insight into your character and your positive
attributes.

Tip #1: Highlight a positive attribute

Tip #2: Avoid giving a generic or vague response

Sample Answer
I have always been motivated by the challenge of meeting tough deadlines. During
my last role, I attained a 100% success rate regarding the delivery of a product within
budget and on time.

4. How Would Your Colleagues Describe You?

Your co-workers know certain qualities about you and that is what the interviewer wants to
know.

Tip #1: State how your co-workers would describe you

Tip #2: Make your answer direct and brief

Sample Answer
My colleagues say that I am a person who can be counted on. They say that I am a
good communicator, a team player and that they enjoy working with me.

5. As a Production Manager, What Viewpoint Do You Hold about

Management?
Here, the interviewer wants to assess how you would handle different management
aspects if you are hired.
Tip #1: Describe your viewpoint of management
Tip #2: Demonstrate that you have a good understanding of management

Sample Answer
My perspective is that teams should have experts or the most skilled individuals to
perform certain tasks. So I ensure that workload is distributed evenly to make sure
that individuals handle those tasks that they can do best. This is realized by making
sure that every team member has the skills and resources required to effectively
perform the assigned task.
6. If a Team Member is Performing His or Her Job Inefficiently,
What Do You Do?
The interviewer seeks to know how you would ensure a member of your team are
performing optimally

Tip #1: Demonstrate how you would handle an underperforming subordinate

Tip #1: Give the impression that you can effectively lead a team

Sample Answer
I will find out why the employee is underperforming, whether it is the inadequacy of
relevant skills, work overload, or other reasons. Following this, I will advise and
support the employee on ways to overcome his or her challenges and monitor the
progress until the expected performance is attained.

7. As a Production Manager, Where Do You See Yourself In 5

Years?
The interviewer seeks to know what you intend to achieve in five years.

Tip #1: Describe your objectives for the next five years
Tip #2: Demonstrate that you will have made significant progress in your career

Sample Answer
I will have a better understanding of production management. I would like to be a
leader by co-workers and team members can rely on for advice, support, and
direction. Besides, I intend to be experienced and skilled enough to effectively handle
every responsibility that comes my way.

8. What is Your Daily Routine as a Production Manager?

The interviewer wants to assess whether you understand the responsibilities of a
production manager.

Tip #1: State the duties performed by a production manager daily

Tip #2: Go straight to the point without mulling

Sample Answer
On a typical day, I would plan and organize production schedules, assess resource
and project requirements, estimate, negotiate, and agree on timescales as well as
budgets with clients and other managers. Besides, I would oversee production
processes, ensure safety rules are maintained, and supervise project work among
other duties.

9. How Can You Handle a Dispute Between Your Team Members?

Your ability to resolve disputes among your team member is what the interviewer
wants to test here.

Tip #1: Show your ability to resolve a dispute

Tip #2: Demonstrate the way you would help to solve the problem

Sample Answer
When two of my team members quarrel, I would get both parties to determine the
cause of the problem. Once that is determined, I would help them to settle the issues
to make sure it doesn’t reoccur. Besides, I would offer advice on how to avoid
disputes in the future.

10. How Do You Determine the Required Budget for a Specific

Job?
Part of the production managers’ job is to create and negotiate budgets. The
interviewer wants to know how you determine the necessary budgets for production
jobs.

Tip #1: Show your experience in managing budgets

Tip #2: Let the interviewer understand that you can assess the expected costs.

Sample Answer
When I am creating a budget, I usually begin by checking similar jobs that have been
undertaken in the past to know the costs that were involved. I also communicate with
my team to know what they will require to perform the planned job effectively. Doing
that enables me to come up with the cost and create a budget.

11. As a Manager, How Do You Measure Your Success?

The interviewer seeks to assess whether you can work effectively and meet the set
goals and targets.

Tip #1: Describe how you evaluate your success

Tip #2: Be brief and go straight to the point

Sample Answer
I measure my success by checking the set goals and objectives against the work that
I have performed. In doing so, I know what has been done and the pending work.
Besides, I assess whether the end product has satisfied the requirement and
expected outcomes. If that has been achieved, then I consider a project to be
successful.
12. How Would You Keep Your Team Motivated?
Motivation can increase productivity. Thus, the interviewer seeks to know whether
you can keep your team motivated.

Tip #1: Describe the way you can motivate your team
Tip #2: Ensure to provide a satisfactory answer that is not questionable

Sample Answer
I ensure to show recognition to team members who exceed the set targets. Doing so
not only keeps those that have been recognised motivated but also the rest of the
team as everyone seeks to meet or exceed goals to get some recognition.
13. What Major Challenge Did You Encounter In Your Last
Assignment And How Did You Address It?
Here, the interviewer tests whether you can handle challenging situations at work
and come up with appropriate solutions.

Tip #1: Describe a major challenge that you faced in your last role
Tip #2: Give the impression that you can effectively handle difficult situations

Sample Answer
During a training session, some members of my production team didn’t ask
clarification for some unclear production process. Consequently, some requirements
were not met. The customer was very upset with me for delivering an unsatisfactory
product. However, I managed to convince the client to give us some time to correct
the issue. My team sought clarification and corrected the problem and eventually
delivered a satisfactory product.

14. How Do You Ensure Quality Across all Production Phases?

The interviewer wants to test whether you can be trusted to produce products that
meet the set quality standards.

Tip #1: Describe how you make sure quality is maintained throughout
Tip #2: Give the impression that you understand the need to maintain quality

Sample Answer
Before undertaking any project, I convene my team and go through the entire
process of production. The aim of this is to ensure that everyone understands what
should be done and the quality that should be maintained. I also make sure to involve
my team in the planning process so that they understand the envisioned product right
from the beginning. Besides, I monitor the production process to ensure all is well.

15. Describe a Time You Noticed a Safety Concern at Work. What

Did You Do?
Here, the interviewer tests your ability to identify and address risks before they
escalate.

Tip #1: Describe a safety concern that you noticed at work

Tip #2: State the action you took
Sample Answer
While some raw materials were being offloaded, I noticed a loose package. The
package contained some chemicals that can damage one’s skin. I immediately
contacted the offloading personnel and instructed them to set aside the package and
seal it tightly before lifting and taking it to the production store.

16. What Have You Done in the Last Year to Improve Your
Production Management Knowledge?
The interviewer wants to know the personal development efforts you have
undertaken in the past year.

Tip #1: Describe how you have improved your knowledge

Tip #2: Mention improvement activity that relates to production management

Sample Answer
In the past year, I have attended production management seminars organised at my
workplace and these have improved my management skills. Six months ago, I
enrolled in a Master in Production Management course to further my competence.

17. Why Do You Want To Work In This Organization?

This is a common question that seeks to identify your specific reason for applying to
work for the organization.

Tip #1: Give a convincing reason

Tip #2: Let the interviewer understand that you know something about the
organization

Sample Answer
According to me, this is among the best organization that I desire to work for. It has a
good environment and is well managed. Besides, it has had a steady growth since
inception and is renowned for producing high-quality products. Thus, working here
will also help me to grow in the field.

18. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Role?

Your objectives for finding another job are assessed here.

Tip #1: Focus on the positive and avoid defaming your employer
Tip #2: Make sure your answer doesn’t suggest that you were expelled

Sample Answer
I have learned much through my current role. I am now seeking a new challenge that
will broaden my horizons and afford me new skills. I believe I’ll achieve this through
this job.
19. Tell Us a Time You Experienced a Failure and How You
Handled the Situation
Everyone fails at some point. The interviewer wants to assess whether you take
responsibility for your failure and what you learned.

Tip #1: Describe an instant that you experienced failure

Tip #2: Demonstrate how you handled the situation

Sample Answer
I once rushed the production of a product to make a shipping deadline but in the
process, a couple of critical steps were skipped. Luckily the problem was noted
before the installation of the product. I made sure that the issue with the product was
rectified. Besides, I learned never to hurry a project again.
20. As a Production Manager, How do You Ensure Deadlines are
Met when Managing Production?
The interviewer wants to know the strategies you use to handle deadlines.

Tip #1: Demonstrate your ability to meet deadlines

Tip #2: Provide the impression that you can deliver projects on time

Sample Answer
First, I assess what is required and the exact task involved in the production and plan
appropriately how it will be executed. Second, I get appropriate resources that will
get the job done promptly. These include equipment, materials, and people. Third, I
assign specific tasks to each individual in the production team and specify the period
of completing each activity. In the end, all tasks are completed on time.

"Tell Me About Yourself" Interview Question

Example Answer #1:
I began my career as an administrative assistant working for my current company,
but I quickly branched out into marketing. I've always had this way of making better
sense of why people need and desire products and services. You could say that I
have a knack for understanding the psychology of customers, and using that to point
to their needs and specific pain points. I used these skills to advance in my company,
making it all the way to marketing director. My goal is to continue to progress in my
career.
Example Answer #2:
I'd be glad to share a little about myself. I graduated from XYZ University, where I
majored in business administration. During my time at the school I had an internship
at a large Fortune 500 company, where I was able to take an active role in
their Human Resources department, receiving excellent career advice from
mentors. I continued on at that company, up until my current job.
One of the things that I spearheaded at the company was creating a holistic view of
employee care. I helped add to the company culture by creating initiatives to create a
sense of community, even when we were working remotely. I've sensed that my
major passion is to foster a sense of community among employees. My wife and kids
have even mentioned how good I am about including them in games and activities. I
believe I’m the ideal candidate, as I am passionate about helping you to continue the
great work you're doing in human resources.
Example Answer #3:
Throughout my entire career, I have been driven by learning new skills and finding
innovative ways to complete my duties. I've always been an avid reader, and
consider myself to be a go-getter when it comes to discovering new things. Recently,
in the last 5 years, I taught myself how to code, and from there I have had a steady
career in the IT field. I have grown leaps and bounds in my technical skills, and this
is because I am a lifelong learner who is always willing to humble myself to learn
something new.