Global Production Lead (Food Industry)

Based in the north west of the UK, with regular international travel. Salary guide of £90-110k plus bonus (with some room for the right person). This is an opportunity to shape the future of a growing international food ingredients business. Financially secure and expanding globally, the company is entering an exciting phase of growth.

As Global Production Lead, you'll play a key role in developing people, strengthening operational performance, and building the foundations for long-term success across multiple manufacturing sites. We're looking for someone who can bring clarity, consistency and credibility to production operations, while creating a culture that people want to be part of. This is not a role defined by large reporting lines or corporate complexity. Success will come from your ability to influence, coach and develop people, building small but high-performing teams through trust, credibility and strong leadership.

You'll work closely with production teams on site, helping them raise standards, develop capability and create an environment where both people and performance can thrive.

You'll provide leadership across production operations in the UK and internationally, with responsibility for:

• Building a positive, high-accountability culture where standards are clear and people feel supported to succeed
• Coaching and developing team leaders, helping them grow capability and confidence
• Identifying opportunities to improve performance, quality, efficiency and communication across sites
• Creating greater consistency in ways of working while respecting the strengths and personalities of individuals
• Supporting future growth plans, including capacity expansion, new facilities and external manufacturing partnerships

This is a highly visible leadership role. Success will come through influence, trust and credibility as much as technical expertise.

Significant production leadership experience within food and beverage manufacturing environments – this is essential. A track record of improving operational performance through people, processes and strong team engagement. The ability to earn trust quickly and build positive relationships at every level of the organisation. A calm, practical and thoughtful leadership style that combines high standards with genuine support for others. Strong communication skills, with the ability to adapt your approach to different audiences and situations.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who is humble, authentic and collaborative. Someone who can challenge constructively when needed, but who leads through coaching, mentoring and developing others rather than directing from a distance.

While there are immediate opportunities to improve performance and raise standards, this is far more than a turnaround brief. The real opportunity is to build something lasting – developing people, strengthening operations and helping shape the future of a growing international business with plenty of ambition.