At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a transformation in food manufacturing, stabilising operations and improving standards.
- Company: Fast-evolving food manufacturing business in South Wales.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £600 per day plus expenses for impactful work.
- Other info: 6-12 month interim contract with immediate start required.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a challenging environment with visible results.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operational turnaround within food manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78000 £ per year.
A highly regarded and fast-evolving food manufacturing business is seeking an exceptional Interim Factory Manager to take operational control of a small but strategically important standalone manufacturing site in South Wales. This is a genuine transformation assignment requiring somebody capable of rapidly stabilising an operation, rebuilding standards, restoring accountability and creating a clear, sustainable operational roadmap for the future.
The site currently operates across two shifts with a headcount of approximately 35 employees. While the operation has potential, significant work is required across:
- Operational discipline
- Leadership capability
- Site standards
- Manufacturing controls
- Health & Safety
- Engineering/fabrication oversight
- Overall cultural effectiveness
The organisation is looking for an experienced leader who has personally led operational recovery and transformation within food manufacturing environments before, capable of entering a difficult environment, quickly diagnosing root causes, winning credibility on the shop floor and implementing practical, commercially sensible solutions that genuinely improve performance.
This assignment requires somebody highly visible, highly hands-on and comfortable operating at pace within an environment requiring immediate intervention.
The Opportunity
Reporting into senior operational leadership, you will assume responsibility for the day-to-day running, stabilisation and transformation of the site. You will be expected to quickly assess operational reality, identify critical risks and implement immediate corrective actions across areas including:
- Health & Safety standards and site compliance
- Manufacturing discipline and operational controls
- Leadership effectiveness and accountability
- Workforce capability and performance management
- Factory culture and behavioural standards
- Engineering/fabrication effectiveness
- Process flow, efficiencies and waste reduction
- Communication structures and operational governance
- Site ownership, visibility and leadership presence
- Longer-term operational improvement planning
This role requires somebody capable of balancing strategic thinking with genuine operational credibility. The successful individual will be as comfortable challenging operational standards on the factory floor as they are presenting recovery plans and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
What We Are Looking For
We are specifically seeking individuals who have previously delivered operational turnaround or transformation assignments within food manufacturing environments. You will bring:
- Proven factory leadership experience within food manufacturing
- Significant experience operating within challenging or underperforming food manufacturing environments
- A track record of stabilising operations and improving standards quickly
- Strong operational and manufacturing discipline
- Experience improving Health & Safety culture and compliance
- Strong people leadership capability within blue-collar manufacturing environments
- The ability to challenge constructively and drive accountability
- Excellent operational judgement and decision-making capability
- A practical, sleeves-rolled-up leadership style
- Credibility with both shop floor teams and senior leadership stakeholders
This assignment will suit somebody who thrives on fixing problems, creating structure from ambiguity and delivering visible operational improvement within demanding environments.
The Individual
The successful individual is likely to be:
- Calm under pressure
- Operationally credible
- Highly resilient
- Direct but fair
- Hands-on by nature
- Commercially aware
- Visible and engaging on site
- Action-oriented
- Comfortable making difficult decisions
- Focused on sustainable improvement rather than temporary fixes
Most importantly, you will understand what 'good' genuinely looks like within food manufacturing operations and know how to move an operation towards it quickly.
Assignment Details
Interim contract: 6–12 months
Circa £600 per day plus expenses
South Wales
Food manufacturing experience essential
Immediate or short-notice availability essential
This is a rare opportunity to make a genuinely visible impact within a business committed to operational improvement and long-term change.
To apply please send your CV to or call 0115 870 0115 for more details.
Operations Manager employer: HPRtalent
Join a dynamic food manufacturing business in South Wales that values transformation and operational excellence. As an Interim Factory Manager, you will be part of a culture that prioritises accountability, hands-on leadership, and sustainable improvement, offering you the chance to make a significant impact in a challenging environment. With competitive compensation and a focus on employee growth, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead meaningful change while working alongside a dedicated team committed to high standards and continuous development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food manufacturing industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get ready for interviews by researching the company and its challenges. Show them you understand their operational needs and can bring real solutions to the table. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your hands-on leadership style!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in transforming operations. Highlight specific examples where you've stabilised environments and improved standards, especially in food manufacturing settings.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operations Manager. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and any transformation projects you've led. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges similar to those mentioned 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 interim role. Share specific examples of how you've stabilised operations and improved standards in previous positions. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:This role requires a hands-on leader, so make sure to convey your leadership style in your application. Talk about how you engage with teams on the shop floor and how you drive accountability. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate!
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 shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at HPRtalent
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations and challenges. Familiarise yourself with their current standards and any recent news about them. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Transformation Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully turned around underperforming operations. Be ready to discuss the steps you took, the challenges you faced, and the measurable outcomes of your actions.
✨Engage with the Team
Since this role requires a hands-on approach, think about how you can demonstrate your leadership style during the interview. Share stories that highlight your ability to connect with shop floor teams and build credibility quickly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your understanding of operational complexities. Inquire about their current challenges and what success looks like for them in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
