At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in high-care chilled food production and enhance operational efficiency.
- Company: Challenger brand known for great food and a supportive work culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days holiday, NEST pension, and performance-related bonuses.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with significant growth potential and a focus on teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming production processes and leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-care chilled production and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 57000 - 57000 £ per year.
Location – East Midlands – Commutable to Leicestershire.
Somewhere in a chilled production hall right now, 50 dedicated, hardworking people across two sites are turning out great food, occasionally despite the systems around them rather than because of them. They don't need a boss who watches from a clipboard. They need someone who knows people's names, remembers whose kid just started school, and still gets the numbers to add up by the end of the week. Could that someone be you?
We're looking for a Production Manager to take the reins of a fast-paced, high-care chilled food operation running close to round the clock, seven days a week. You'll be building the systems, sharpening the processes, and raising the bar day by day, as well as being someone the team would actually want to grab a brew with.
What you'll be doing:
- Owning day-to-day production across two high care sites and a permanent team of around 50.
- Getting under the skin of the numbers: efficiency, waste, downtime, quality, and using them to spot what's actually going wrong, not just firefighting the symptoms.
- Bringing proper structure, systems and discipline to an operation that's outgrown its current setup, with the bakery as your biggest opportunity: strong products, a good team, and real scope to bring consistency and control.
- Coaching supervisors and operatives, tackling embedded bad habits head-on, and holding people accountable, fairly, directly, and without making anyone cry in the walk-in fridge.
- Working hand in hand with quality, planning, procurement and warehouse to keep everything flowing.
- Championing food safety and quality standards (BRCGS, HACCP, GMP) without turning into the person everyone hides from when they see you coming.
Who we need:
Someone who has done proper high-care chilled production and knows the difference between running a shift and running an operation. A charismatic, visible leader who treats their team like people, not resources on a rota, and who understands that a "well done" costs nothing and buys a lot of loyalty. Someone who spots the same problem happening for the third time and actually fixes it, instead of shrugging and moving on. Detail-oriented, straight-talking, genuinely likeable, and allergic to mediocrity.
The practical bits:
- Salary up to £57000 depending on experience and with small amount of wriggle room to stretch for a superstar.
- Working pattern Sunday to Thursday, roughly 8am/8:30am to 4pm/4:30pm.
- NEST pension, 30 days holiday, and a bonus scheme tied to business performance (not guaranteed, but there if the business does well).
This is a challenger brand business that makes great food and has huge potential still to unlock. It just needs a leader the team will follow because they want to, not because their contract says so.
Production Manager - Chilled Food Challenger Brand (High Care) employer: 1485 Ltd
At 1485 Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer in the heart of Liverpool, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our employees benefit from competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth within the nutrition and wellness sector, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to meaningful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager - Chilled Food Challenger Brand (High Care)
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like 1485 Ltd, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager - Chilled Food Challenger Brand (High Care)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to 1485 Ltd specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1485 Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with 1485 Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like 1485 Ltd value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
