At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a diverse team in food production, ensuring quality and efficiency.
- Company: Join Gafoor, a family-owned food manufacturer with a modern facility in Preston.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development support, free meals, and enhanced holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and training.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing company and make a real impact on food quality nationwide.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in food manufacturing management, preferably in poultry or meat processing.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 46000 £ per year.
Location: Single site operation - Preston, Lancashire, UK (relocation assistance available)
Salary: £42,000 - £46,000 pa dependent on experience, specifically in relation to candidates with experience in the meat / poultry processing sector.
Job type: Full time, Permanent, Monday to Friday
Gafoor is a fast-growing, family-owned food manufacturing business supplying major UK grocery, retail and wholesale customers from our modern, BRC-accredited facility in Preston. With 500 employees and a 24/5 operation spanning live intake through to finished product distribution, we are at a pivotal stage in our growth. We are looking for an experienced Production Manager with a background in FMCG or food manufacturing, ideally poultry or meat processing.
About the Role: Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will oversee a team of machine minders and line leaders, ensuring the smooth running of production during your shift (earlies 5 till 14 or lates 13 till 22) and the achievement of schedules to meet customer orders on time and to specification. As a people manager, you will lead, develop, train, and engage your team, ensuring high levels of performance, safety, and staff retention. You will capture and analyse data to measure performance against KPIs and OEE targets.
What You'll Be Responsible For:
- Leading a multi-cultural team to achieve production plans.
- Taking a hands-on approach, leading by example.
- Gathering, analysing, and presenting KPI and performance data.
- Mentoring and developing line leaders and machine minders.
- Managing the day-to-day people issues (absence, holidays, performance, training).
- Driving productivity and GMP standards across the operation.
- Ensuring a safe working environment in compliance with Health, Safety, and Hygiene standards.
- Support the introduction of new products and changing specifications.
Who Will Thrive Here/What we are looking for:
We are looking for candidates with the following skills and experience:
- Essential, min 3 years experience managing people in a food manufacturing setting, in the UK - preferably in poultry or meat processing.
- Essential, broad knowledge of GMP and experience operating to BRC standards.
- Essential, commercial outlook with excellent numerical capability.
- Essential, proficient in MS Office packages.
- Essential, strong people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
- Essential, strong organisational skills, with the ability to plan ahead and anticipate operational challenges.
- Essential, a calm and resilient approach to the challenges of working in a fast paced and changeable environment.
- Essential, excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Essential, professional and effective communication at all levels.
- Ideally, IOSH qualified or willing to attend training.
- Ideally, Level 3 Food Safety qualification or willing to attend training.
- Ideally, experience of working within a BRC accredited operation.
What You Gain/Why Join Gafoor:
- Competitive salary
- Support to develop your career and grow with the company, including in-house and accredited qualifications
- Be part of a family-oriented culture
- Free parking and onsite canteen serving fresh hot meals each day
- Play a key role in delivering quality products nationwide.
- Enhanced pension and holiday entitlement with continuous service
Please note that sponsorship is not available for this role and therefore candidates must have the legal right to live and work in the UK to be considered.
If you are seeking the chance to join a well-established company at an exciting stage in their growth, please click the APPLY button to send your CV in for immediate consideration.
Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of; Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager, Production Supervisor, Food Manufacturing Production Manager, Factory Manager, Production Coordinator, Manufacturing Supervisor, Production Team Lead, Industrial Production Manager, Production Operations Manager may also be considered.
Production Manager - Food Manufacturing in Blackburn employer: Gafoor
Gafoor is an excellent employer that fosters a family-oriented culture, providing competitive salaries and opportunities for career development within the food manufacturing sector. Located in Preston, Lancashire, our modern BRC-accredited facility offers a supportive environment with free parking, an onsite canteen, and a commitment to employee growth through in-house training and accredited qualifications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager - Food Manufacturing in Blackburn
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Gafoor.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Gafoor!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Gafoor, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Gafoor, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager - Food Manufacturing in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Gafoor, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Gafoor.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Gafoor. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Gafoor. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gafoor
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Gafoor’s mission.
