Factory Manager - Nocton When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed. Factory Manager – Nocton Role As the senior leader at our Nocton site, you will take overall responsibility for the safe, compliant and profitable operation of the site. You will lead and develop the site team, ensuring the timely supply of quality materials to our local factories. You will drive operational excellence, continuous improvement and effective change management, making best use of people, processes and resources to deliver outstanding performance and customer service. About the site Nocton is a distinctive site built around a single, high-tonnage grading line and a small, multiskilled team. It is not a multi-line factory. It does, however, play a critical part in the end-to-end supply chain for every one of our Lincoln business units, so the quality, consistency and reliability of what leaves Nocton are felt right across the business. Nocton sits at the heart of our supply chain, taking in and storing crop and processing secondary material for our added value business units, and we are developing it into a more production-led operation, with the systems, standards and ways of working to match. There is real scope to improve how we optimise the crop – working with colleagues across the business to make best use of specifications and yield – and this is an equal part of the role alongside running the site day to day. If you want a role where you can see the direct impact of your decisions and shape how a site develops, this is it. Key responsibilities Take full accountability for site performance, including health and safety, quality, hygiene, production and financial control. Ensure the effective supply of materials to internal customers, meeting agreed service levels and production plans. Lead stock management, forecasting, stock rotation and supply planning to minimise waste and maximise availability. Work with procurement, agronomy, technical and the factories we supply to optimise crop use, specifications and yield. Drive operational efficiency, productivity, yield improvement and site profitability through KPI management and continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with BRC, FEMAS, TFMS and all relevant food safety, quality and audit standards. Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing small site team. Manage labour, budgets, equipment and site infrastructure to optimise performance. Build strong working relationships with internal departments, customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders. Skills and experience Experience in food manufacturing, ideally within fresh produce or potato supply – essential. Experience leading a whole site and managing multi-functional teams across production, quality, H&S and stores – essential. Strong stock management, forecasting and supply planning skills – essential. Financial management and budgeting experience – essential. Minimum five years' senior management experience within FMCG, ideally in a high-risk food manufacturing environment – preferred. Degree-level qualification – preferred. What we are looking for We are looking for a hands-on and influential leader who can take ownership of site performance and inspire a team to deliver results. You will be an excellent communicator, a confident decision-maker and passionate about continuous improvement, with the ability to build strong relationships across the wider business. You will be equally comfortable working with crop, specifications and yield as you are leading a production line, and motivated by helping a crop-focused site develop into a production-led operation. Most importantly, you will lead by example, champion our Branston values and create a culture where safety, quality, accountability and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do. Benefits · Company bonus scheme · Enhanced pension contributions · Private Health Insurance · Life Assurance & critical illness cover · Onsite Parking · Free fruit & potatoes · Electric salary sacrifice car scheme
Factory Manager - Nocton in Branston employer: Branston Potatoes
Branston is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a clear progression pathway towards roles such as Maintenance Manager or Engineering Manager. With a strong focus on safety and continuous improvement, our Lincoln site fosters a collaborative work culture where your ideas can make a real impact, complemented by benefits like enhanced pension contributions, a discretionary company bonus, and even free potatoes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Factory Manager - Nocton in Branston
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Branston Potatoes does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Branston Potatoes
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Branston Potatoes will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Branston Potatoes.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Branston Potatoes.
