My client are looking for a Manufacturing Manager - working with a start up, this is a very exciting time to join the business.
You’ll work closely with the Production Supervisor to oversee the handling of dough-based products and cooked food manufacturing – maintaining high standards of quality, hygiene, and team performance, while also supporting planned maintenance and ongoing process improvement.
This role is ideal for someone with strong experience in food manufacturing who thrives in a busy, collaborative, and fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Production Management
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Lead daily operations across multiple production lines, ensuring targets for output and quality are consistently met.
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Manage the production schedule and coordinate changeovers efficiently to minimize downtime.
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Track and analyze production KPIs (yields, labor, waste) and respond to delays or inefficiencies.
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Ensure accurate batch traceability and data input into ERP systems.
People & Team Leadership
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Manage, train, and support the production and hygiene teams across shifts.
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Coordinate staffing needs, shift rotas, breaks, and holiday coverage.
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Foster a strong team culture with open communication, regular performance reviews, and development opportunities.
Quality, Hygiene & Compliance
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Uphold and enhance standards for food safety, allergen control, and hygiene in both wet and dry production areas.
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Lead investigations into customer complaints, quality issues, or audit non-conformances.
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Conduct regular internal audits and ensure readiness for external inspections and audits.
Inventory & Materials Management
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Monitor and manage stock levels of raw materials, packaging, and work-in-progress items.
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Support inventory counts and investigate discrepancies to maintain accuracy.
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Minimize waste and ensure smooth production flow.
Equipment & Maintenance Support
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Collaborate with maintenance personnel to carry out preventative maintenance schedules and accurately log equipment downtime.
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Ensure machinery is safe, operational, and well maintained.
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Escalate technical issues promptly and help develop long-term solutions.
Safety & Site Standards
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Enforce health and safety policies across all production areas.
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Maintain up-to-date risk assessments and ensure team compliance.
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Promote a high standard of cleanliness and organization across production, warehouse, and maintenance areas.
Required Skills & Experience
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5+ years’ experience in a leadership role within food manufacturing, with exposure to both dry and wet-line production environments.
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Proven ability to manage or supervise production teams.
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Hands-on knowledge of dough processing and/or cooked product manufacturing (e.g., soups, sauces).
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Strong initiative to drive improvements and optimize team performance.
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Knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP, and allergen control practices.
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Experience using ERP or MRP systems; confident with data management and traceability.
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Mechanical aptitude (essential); basic understanding of electrical systems (preferred)