At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve operational performance across multiple food manufacturing sites.
- Company: Major UK food manufacturing and ingredients business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: £150,000 salary, bonus, car allowance, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Confidential process; opportunity for career growth and influence.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a high-stakes leadership role within a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in multi-site manufacturing leadership and Lean methodologies.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
We’re supporting a major UK food manufacturing and ingredients business on the appointment of a Head of Manufacturing to lead operational performance, leadership capability and continuous improvement across a portfolio of manufacturing sites. This is a high-impact senior leadership role with responsibility for multiple manufacturing facilities, leading Factory Managers and Site Leadership Teams across a complex food manufacturing operation. The business operates highly automated, process‑led manufacturing sites supplying major UK retail, foodservice and industrial customers.
This is an opportunity to influence manufacturing performance at scale whilst remaining close enough to operations to drive meaningful change and improvement.
The Opportunity
Reporting into the Group Operations Director, the Head of Manufacturing will be responsible for improving operational performance, developing site leadership capability and creating greater consistency across manufacturing operations. The focus is on building a culture of accountability, operational excellence and continuous improvement whilst supporting future growth and manufacturing capability.
You will play a key role in driving:
- Manufacturing performance improvement across multiple sites
- Leadership development and succession planning
- Continuous Improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives
- Production capacity and throughput optimisation
- Quality, service and customer performance
- Cost reduction and productivity enhancement
- Standardisation of best practice across manufacturing operations
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach and develop Factory Managers and Site Leadership Teams across multiple manufacturing facilities
- Drive improvements in safety, quality, service and cost performance
- Increase manufacturing efficiency, productivity and operational discipline
- Improve OEE, waste reduction, labour utilisation and OTIF performance
- Embed Continuous Improvement and Lean manufacturing methodologies across sites
- Develop operational capability and leadership succession plans
- Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Technical and Commercial functions to improve overall business performance
- Support capital investment projects and future manufacturing capability planning
- Create consistency in operational standards, reporting and accountability across the group
Candidate Profile
We are seeking experienced manufacturing leaders who have operated within complex food, ingredients, beverage or FMCG manufacturing environments. You will likely bring:
- Proven multi‑site manufacturing leadership experience
- Experience leading Factory Managers, Site Leaders or Plant Managers
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies
- A track record of improving OEE, productivity, capacity and quality performance
- Experience within highly automated, process‑led manufacturing environments
- Strong people leadership and coaching capability
- The ability to influence operational performance through others
- Commercial awareness and a data‑driven approach to decision making
Most importantly, you will be a visible and credible leader capable of developing teams, creating accountability and driving sustainable operational improvement across multiple sites.
Package
Performance Bonus
Confidential Process
This appointment is being managed on a retained and highly confidential basis.
Director of Manufacturing in Manchester employer: Elevation Recruitment Group
As a leading player in the UK food manufacturing sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises operational excellence and continuous improvement. With a strong focus on leadership development and a culture of accountability, employees are empowered to drive meaningful change across multiple highly automated manufacturing sites. Our competitive salary package, performance bonuses, and commitment to employee growth make us an attractive employer for those seeking a rewarding career in a dynamic industry.
Contact Details:
Elevation Recruitment Group Recruitment Team
