At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform a food manufacturing site in South Wales.
- Company: Fast-evolving food manufacturing business focused on operational improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, expenses covered, and impactful work.
- Other info: Immediate start for a hands-on leader ready to tackle challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a challenging environment and drive sustainable change.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and operational turnaround required.
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. Candidates must have glass jar or glass bottle food production experience. If you also have an understanding of engineering this would be an advantage.
This is not a “steady state” factory leadership role. 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 not looking for somebody who simply identifies problems. They are 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.
Interim Factory Manager in Wales employer: HPRtalent
Join a dynamic food manufacturing business in South Wales, where your leadership will drive meaningful transformation and operational excellence. With a focus on employee growth and a culture that values accountability and innovation, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a supportive environment. Enjoy competitive compensation and the chance to lead a dedicated team towards sustainable improvements in a challenging yet rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Factory Manager in Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who have experience with glass jar or bottle production. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on! If you can, visit local factories or attend industry events. This not only shows your commitment but also gives you a chance to meet potential employers face-to-face. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about the latest trends and challenges in the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your transformation skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, share specific examples of how you've turned around underperforming operations. They want to see that you can bring real change, so be ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. By applying directly, you’ll stand out and show that you’re serious about joining a company that values operational improvement and long-term success.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Factory Manager in Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing, especially with glass jar or bottle production. We want to see how your skills align with the operational transformation we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:This role is all about hands-on leadership and accountability. Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams in challenging environments before. We love seeing examples of how you’ve made a real impact on the shop floor!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity! Make sure to outline your key achievements and how they relate to stabilising operations and improving standards. We want to get to the good stuff quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at HPRtalent
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your glass jar or bottle food production experience. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in similar environments and how you tackled them. This role is all about transformation, so having concrete examples of operational recovery will really impress.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
This position requires a hands-on leader who can engage with the team on the shop floor. Prepare to share your approach to leadership and how you've built accountability and improved culture in previous roles. Think about how you can demonstrate your credibility with both blue-collar teams and senior stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving
Expect to be asked about how you diagnose root causes and implement solutions. Have a few scenarios in mind where you’ve turned around underperforming operations. The interviewers will want to see that you can think on your feet and provide practical, commercially sensible solutions.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
While this role is about immediate intervention, it’s also crucial to show that you can balance strategic thinking with operational credibility. Be prepared to discuss how you would create a sustainable operational roadmap for the future, ensuring long-term improvements rather than just quick fixes.
