At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the implementation of a new production line and ensure project success.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing premium food company making waves in the UK, Europe, and the USA.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting phase of growth and innovation in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing large-scale projects in manufacturing or FMCG is essential.
- Other info: Professional Project Management certification is highly desirable.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Company Overview: The company is a rapidly expanding player in the premium food sector, with a strong presence across the UK, Europe, and the USA. Renowned for high-quality products and entrepreneurial spirit, they have achieved exceptional growth over the past five years. They are now entering an exciting new chapter following a recent strategic acquisition, focusing on scaling operations, increasing brand recognition, and strengthening their position as a market leader. As part of this growth, they are investing heavily in manufacturing capabilities to support future expansion.
Role Summary: They are seeking a Project Manager – Manufacturing & Production Line Development to lead the implementation of a new production line as part of their wider operational growth strategy. This pivotal role will involve working cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners to deliver a state-of-the-art production capability that meets ambitious performance, quality, and efficiency goals. The successful candidate will ensure that all aspects of the project are delivered on time, within scope, and to budget, while championing operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Project Leadership: Lead the end-to-end delivery of the new production line, from initial scoping through to final commissioning and go-live.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Work closely with internal departments (Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Quality, etc.) and external vendors, contractors, and consultants to ensure seamless project execution.
- Planning & Execution: Develop and manage detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Technical Oversight: Support the design, specification, and installation of manufacturing equipment and infrastructure to meet capacity, safety, and quality requirements.
- Budget & Risk Management: Manage project budgets and proactively identify and mitigate risks to ensure successful delivery.
- Performance Monitoring: Track project KPIs and use data-driven insights to drive improvements and report on progress to senior management.
- Compliance & Standards: Ensure all work is completed in accordance with regulatory, health and safety, and food industry standards.
- Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the development of best practices and operational improvements across the manufacturing function.
Qualifications:
Knowledge & Experience: Significant experience managing large-scale capital projects in a manufacturing or FMCG environment, ideally within the food or beverage sector. Proven track record of delivering complex production line or facility expansion projects. Professional Project Management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is highly desirable. Strong technical understanding of manufacturing equipment and production processes. Experience in working with external engineering and equipment suppliers, construction firms, and internal cross-functional teams.
Essential Skills and Behavioural Traits:
- Proactive & Driven: A hands-on leader who takes ownership and drives projects forward with energy and purpose.
- Excellent Communicator: Able to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, with clear and confident communication.
- Operational Mindset: Strong problem-solving skills and a practical approach to delivering effective solutions on the factory floor.
- Highly Organized: Capable of managing multiple workstreams and priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Team-Oriented: Comfortable working in a collaborative, close-knit team, and sharing knowledge to elevate collective performance.
- Detail-Focused: Committed to high standards of quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
Project Manager - Manufacturing employer: Vertical Advantage
Contact Detail:
Vertical Advantage Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in manufacturing, especially those relevant to the food sector. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the manufacturing and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights and possibly refer you to opportunities at our company.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of past projects where you successfully managed budgets and timelines. Highlighting your experience with complex production line implementations will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing to discuss how you've motivated teams and driven projects forward in previous roles. Being able to articulate your proactive approach will resonate well with our company's values.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing large-scale capital projects, particularly in manufacturing or FMCG environments. Emphasise any specific achievements related to production line development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your project management skills and your understanding of the food sector. Mention your professional certifications and how they align with the company's goals for operational excellence.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in stakeholder coordination, budget management, and risk mitigation. Use specific examples to demonstrate your proactive approach and problem-solving abilities.
Showcase Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Discuss any past experiences where you contributed to operational improvements or best practices in manufacturing. This will show your commitment to continuous improvement, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨Showcase Your Project Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience managing large-scale projects, especially in manufacturing or FMCG. Highlight specific examples where you successfully delivered projects on time and within budget, as this will resonate with the company's focus on operational excellence.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Since the role requires a strong technical understanding of manufacturing equipment and processes, brush up on relevant technologies and be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past projects. This will show that you can effectively oversee the technical aspects of the new production line.
✨Emphasise Stakeholder Coordination Skills
The ability to work cross-functionally is crucial for this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coordinated with various departments and external partners in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to ensure seamless project execution.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and how you handle challenges in a fast-paced environment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, focusing on your proactive approach and team-oriented mindset.