At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production at a flagship food & drink manufacturing site and drive quality-first culture.
- Company: High-profile food & drink manufacturer entering a significant growth phase.
- 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 in a critical leadership role.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leader with experience in large-scale food or drink manufacturing.
- Other info: Visible leadership style required; focus on stability and team engagement.
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 Plymouth employer: Gregory Walker
Contact Detail:
Gregory Walker Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Production Officer in Plymouth
✨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 dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their culture, values, and recent developments. This will help us tailor your responses and show them you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. We can help you refine your answers and boost your confidence, making sure you shine when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Production Officer in Plymouth
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 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 improved production processes in the past. 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 how you've built trust with teams and driven performance on the shop floor. We’re all about that hands-on leadership!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 visible and grounded leadership style. Think about times when you've built trust with teams and how you've led them through challenges. This role is all about leading from the front!
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s culture and values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to stability and engagement before driving any changes. They want someone who can fit in and enhance their existing team dynamics.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show 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. This shows you're not just interested in the position but also in the company's success.