At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in food production, driving efficiency and quality.
- Company: Fast-growing family-owned food manufacturer in Essex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit-related bonus, overtime pay, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a close-knit team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills required.
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 Green 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 well-being, the company offers a supportive culture, competitive salary, profit-related bonuses, and opportunities for personal growth within a dynamic team dedicated to high-quality production. Experience a workplace where your contributions are recognised, and you can actively shape the future of premium food products.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Production Manager in Green
✨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. We want to hear how you inspire and motivate others, so be ready to share those experiences.
✨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 make you stand out as a proactive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply 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 joining the team and ready to take that next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Production Manager in Green
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Food Production Manager role. Highlight your leadership style and any relevant food manufacturing experience to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about food production and how your hands-on approach can drive our team’s success. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. We love to see how you’ve driven efficiency or improved team culture in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates from us!
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 industry but also serious about compliance and quality.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in high-pressure environments. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you’ve built trust and motivation among your team members.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving
Think of specific challenges you've faced in food production and how you resolved them. This role requires someone who can stay calm under pressure, so demonstrating your problem-solving skills will be key.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Come prepared with ideas on how to drive efficiency and minimise waste in production. Showing that you’re proactive about continuous improvement will resonate well with the company’s goals.
