At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead plant operations, ensuring safety and efficiency while optimising production quality.
- Company: Join a leading company in the malting and brewing industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to excellence and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic industry with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in production management, preferably in malting or food processing.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Posted Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM
JOB DESCRIPTION
- Job Title
- Plant Manager - Witham
- Reports to
- Operations Manager - England
- Department
- Operations
- Location
- Witham
- Hours
- 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (participation in callout rota will be required)
- Summary of Job
- Responsible for the safe and efficient management of all plant operations
Responsibilities
- Maintain and improve production quality to all customers.
- To optimise production activities to reduce the utility consumption wherever possible.
- Reduce wastage of grain wherever possible.
- Close out all action points from internal and external audits.
- Foster good employee engagement to best make use of the personnel on site
- To control and reduce site maintenance costs
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement
- Ensure that all site activities exceed the standard of health and safety as set out in company policy
- Line Management
• Direct Reports
- Production Manager
- Process Manager
- Barley Manager
- EHSQ
- Take an active and visible approach to setting and leading the required safety culture on site
- Ensure all activities are risk assessed to a suitable and sufficient level
- Participate in and jointly lead compliance and customer audits
- Maintain all necessary accreditations (ISO standards etc)
- Ensure adequate stock levels of raw materials and malt stock levels to meet scheduled malt deliveries.
- Develop and agree the annual plant budget with the Operations Manager
- Use monthly budget figures to monitor all plant costs to ensure that targets are achieved, with particular focus on utility consumption, process yield and maintenance and labour costs.
- Provide weekly and monthly stock, production, utility consumption reports
- Maintain produced and delivered malt quality at a high level
- Ensure barley husbandry is maintained at a high standard
- Work with the engineering manager to maintain mechanical maintenance standards in line with our business wide standards.
- People Leadership and Development
- Absence management
- Investigations and disciplinary procedure
- Performance management
- Dealing with conflict and conflict resolution
- Ensuring leadership behavior is consistent with and actively demonstrates the company values
- Ensure the Soufflet Malt Code of Conduct and policies & procedures are adhered to.
- Build organisational capability through attracting, developing & retaining a high-performing and engaged workforce.
- Support the company’s diversity strategies.
- Oversee the application of performance management and leadership development processes.
- Coach & support direct reports in meeting their development needs.
- Ensure employees are aware of Soufflet Malt’s rewards and benefits (financial & non-financial).
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL
- A minimum of three years’ experience within the malting, brewing or food processing sector in a production management role.
- Excellent management skills ideally with experience of managing a round-the-clock or shift operation.
- Basic engineering knowledge
- A sound knowledge and understanding of the malting process (alternatively a science qualification and the commitment to undertake intensive malting training would be acceptable)
- Experience of setting and monitoring budgets
- Experience of taking responsibility for product quality.
- IOSH Health and safety training
DESIRABLE
- A brewing or food science qualification to a degree (or equivalent) level
- Experience of dealing with external audits and customer service activities.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Production - Plant Manager in Witham employer: Great Western Malting
At Soufflet Malt, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Witham that fosters employee engagement and development. Our commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement ensures that our team members thrive while contributing to the success of our operations. With competitive benefits and a focus on nurturing talent, we provide ample opportunities for growth within the malting industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production - Plant Manager in Witham
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Great Western Malting, 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 - Plant Manager in Witham
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 Great Western Malting 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 Great Western Malting
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Great Western Malting, 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 Great Western Malting 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.
