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 visible impact and drive real change in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operational turnaround within food manufacturing.
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 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 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 in Wales employer: HPRtalent
Join a dynamic food manufacturing business in South Wales that prioritises operational excellence and employee development. As an Interim Factory Manager, you will be part of a transformative journey, working in a culture that values hands-on leadership and accountability. With competitive compensation and the chance to make a significant impact, this role offers a unique opportunity for growth and professional fulfilment in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Wales
✨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. We want to see you shine as a hands-on leader who can tackle their specific issues head-on!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in transforming operations, especially in food manufacturing. Highlight your ability to stabilise environments and improve standards quickly – that’s what they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for candidates who can make a real impact in challenging roles like this one.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Wales
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.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, let us know about your hands-on leadership approach. Share examples of how you've engaged with teams on the shop floor and driven accountability. We’re looking for someone who can balance strategic thinking with operational credibility.
Be Specific About Achievements:Quantify your successes! If you've improved health and safety standards or operational efficiency, include specific figures or outcomes. This helps us understand the impact you've made in previous roles and how you can do the same for us.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
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 their transformation efforts. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led operational turnarounds in food manufacturing. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you've engaged with teams on the shop floor to drive accountability and improve performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific challenges, like improving health and safety standards or managing underperforming teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about their current operational challenges or what success looks like in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
