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- Tasks: Lead production at a flagship food & drink manufacturing site and drive quality-first culture.
- Company: High-profile food & drink manufacturer undergoing significant growth and transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £150,000 plus package and opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on production and site performance.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leader with experience in large-scale food or drink manufacturing.
- Other info: Visible leadership role with strong presence on site and excellent team development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 150000 £ per year.
This is your opportunity to join a high-profile food & drink manufacturer entering a significant new phase of growth and transformation.
As Chief Production Officer, you will lead production at their flagship UK site – a large, complex operation supplying both domestic and international markets. This is a critical, board-facing role and will be key to site performance, culture and future scalability.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Chief Production Officer will take ownership of a large, highly complex manufacturing site. Key responsibilities include:
- End-to-end leadership of production, engineering, warehousing, utilities and site services.
- Driving a quality-first culture across a high-care, non-pasteurised environment.
- Leading an established, high-calibre leadership team across operations, engineering and supply chain.
- Bringing structure and stability to a site that has evolved organically over time.
- Acting as a key member of the senior team, working cross-functionally across the business.
- Supporting growth plans, including increased output and product complexity.
- Maintaining a strong presence on site, driving performance through visible leadership.
This is a role that requires both strategic oversight and hands-on operational leadership.
The Candidate
The successful Chief Production Officer will be a proven senior leader from food or drink manufacturing. Key requirements:
- Experience running a large-scale manufacturing site end-to-end.
- Background within food or drink manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of high-care environments and associated quality standards.
- Experience managing complex, multi-SKU operations.
- A track record of building, leading and developing high-performing teams.
- A leadership style that is visible, grounded and credible on the shop floor.
Culturally, the right individual will:
- Have presence without ego.
- Lead from the front and quickly build trust with established teams.
- Focus initially on stability, engagement and consistency before driving change.
Next Steps
To apply for this Technical Services Manager role, click apply or contact Gilbert Gregory on 07463 222 578 quoting reference GG/6078.
About Your Recruitment Agency
Gregory Walker is a specialist food and drink manufacturing recruitment agency. We are on a mission to provide the most efficient, transparent and enjoyable recruitment service in the industry.
Here is our most recent candidate recommendation: “Gregory Walker got in touch about a role on a Thursday and within 6 days everything was sorted, and I’d accepted the role. Easy to work with and great communication which is everything!”
Chief Production Officer in Exeter employer: Gregory Walker
Contact Detail:
Gregory Walker Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Production Officer in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Chief Production Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their culture, values, and recent developments. We want you to walk in there with confidence and show them you’re the perfect fit for their flagship site!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built trust and led teams in high-care environments. We believe that demonstrating your hands-on approach will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re here to help you every step of the way in landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Production Officer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Production Officer role. Highlight your experience in food or drink manufacturing and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and driven performance in complex manufacturing environments. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, make sure to convey your leadership style. The right candidate will have a visible, grounded approach. Share instances where you've built trust with teams and led from the front. We’re looking for someone who can engage and inspire!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just click apply and follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gregory Walker
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the food and drink manufacturing industry, especially in high-care environments. Brush up on quality standards and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the company's needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style, particularly how you've built trust and engagement within teams. Be ready to share specific instances where your visible leadership made a difference on the shop floor.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s culture and values. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to stability and consistency while also driving change. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team as well.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company’s future. Inquire about their growth plans and how they envision the Chief Production Officer contributing to those goals.