At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in food production, ensuring high standards and driving efficiency.
- Company: A fast-growing, family-owned food manufacturer in Essex with a premium focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit-related bonus, overtime pay, and enhanced holiday allowance.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a close-knit team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of industry standards.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 € per year.
Full Time | Permanent
Location: Chelmsford, Essex
Salary: £50,000–£55,000 DOE + Profit-Related Bonus + Overtime + Benefits
Are you a hands-on production leader who thrives on the factory floor? A well-established, fast-growing family-owned food manufacturer in Essex is looking for an experienced Food Production Manager to support its continued operational growth. Operating within the high-end, premium sector, this business blends traditional craftsmanship with modern efficiency - and has the ambition and investment behind it to keep scaling.
If you are a people-focused manager who leads from the front, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact at the heart of a close-knit business where your contribution will be seen and valued every day.
Please note this role does not offer visa sponsorship. You must also have a full UK driving license and own vehicle due to the location.The Role
- Reporting directly to the senior management team, you will take full ownership of the daily processing operation across a team of up to 60 permanent and seasonal staff.
- Your focus will be on driving high standards, nurturing team culture, and optimising efficiency across the production floor.
- Lead and inspire your production team, fostering a positive, high-performing workplace culture where people feel supported and motivated to deliver their best.
- Oversee daily operations across the processing floor, ensuring production targets, yields, and deadlines are consistently met.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to minimise waste, optimise lines, and increase overall efficiency.
- Play an active role in New Product Development, working closely with the wider team to help scale and diversify the premium product range - a genuine opportunity to shape what this business makes next.
About You
- You are a resilient, grounded leader who understands the fast-paced realities of food manufacturing and knows how to balance strict compliance with high-volume output.
- You do not manage from a distance - you are present, visible, and naturally earn the respect of your team.
- Industry Experience: Proven track record in food manufacturing; experience within meat processing or high-care environments is highly advantageous.
- Technical Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of BRCGS global standards and HACCP principles.
- Leadership Style: Visible and supportive someone who leads by example and builds genuine trust on the shop floor.
- Problem Solving: Calm under pressure, adaptable, and quick to identify and resolve operational bottlenecks before they escalate.
What's on Offer
- Base Salary: £50,000–£55,000 depending on experience
- Bonus: Annual profit-related bonus scheme
- Overtime: Additional paid overtime during peak periods
- Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive health cash plan
- Time Off: Enhanced holiday allowance plus your birthday off
- Culture: A supportive, family-run environment where your voice is genuinely heard and your impact recognised from day one
Click to apply now.
Food Production Manager in England employer: ISQ Recruitment
Join a thriving family-owned food manufacturer in Chelmsford, Essex, where your leadership as a Food Production Manager will be valued and impactful. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, you will benefit from a supportive work culture, enhanced holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic team dedicated to high standards and continuous improvement. This is not just a job; it's a chance to be part of a close-knit community that celebrates craftsmanship and innovation in the premium food sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Production Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their website and social media to see what they're all about. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led a team or solved a problem on the production floor. Being able to share these experiences will demonstrate your hands-on approach and how you can make an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just sit back and wait for the interview; reach out! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or engage with the company’s posts. This shows initiative and can give you insider info that might come in handy during your chat.
✨Tip Number 4
When you apply, do it through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about wanting to join their family-run business.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Production Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Food Production Manager role. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing, especially if you've worked in meat processing or high-care environments. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, emphasise your leadership style. We’re after someone who leads by example and builds trust on the shop floor. Share examples of how you've inspired teams and fostered a positive workplace culture.
Highlight Problem-Solving Skills:We love a candidate who can think on their feet! Make sure to include instances where you've identified and resolved operational bottlenecks. Show us how you stay calm under pressure and adapt to fast-paced environments.
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 ISQ Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of BRCGS global standards and HACCP principles. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you’re not just familiar with the technical side, but that you can apply it practically in a fast-paced food production environment.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you’ve built trust and rapport with your team. This role values visible and supportive leadership, so be ready to demonstrate that.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Think of specific initiatives you’ve implemented to optimise efficiency or reduce waste in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss how you can bring that mindset to their production floor and contribute to their growth and innovation.
✨Be Personable and Engaging
Since this is a family-run business, they’ll appreciate a candidate who fits into their culture. Be yourself, show enthusiasm for the role, and express your desire to make a tangible impact. A positive attitude can go a long way in making a great impression!
