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 Essex 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 shape the future of premium food production in a close-knit environment that truly cares about its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Production Manager in Essex
✨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 to current employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and what they love about working there. This can give you insider info and help you stand out as a proactive candidate.
✨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 team and be part of their growth journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Production Manager in Essex
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:Don’t forget to mention your problem-solving abilities! We need someone calm under pressure who can quickly identify and resolve operational bottlenecks. Share specific instances where you’ve tackled challenges head-on.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at ISQ Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food manufacturing processes, especially in meat processing or high-care environments. Familiarise yourself with BRCGS global standards and HACCP principles, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've led teams in a hands-on manner, fostering a positive culture on the production floor. Highlight specific instances where your presence made a difference in team performance.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to talk about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you resolved them. Think of examples that showcase your ability to stay calm under pressure and quickly identify operational bottlenecks.
✨Engage with New Product Development
Since this role involves working on new product development, be ready to share your ideas or experiences related to product innovation. Show enthusiasm for contributing to the premium product range and how you can help shape the future of the business.
