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- Tasks: Lead a top UK chilled food manufacturer, driving growth and innovation.
- Company: Join a respected own-label food manufacturer known for quality and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for hands-on leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a fast-paced business while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in food manufacturing and strong commercial acumen required.
- Other info: Ideal for those ready to inspire teams and drive excellence.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity to lead one of the UK’s most respected and agile own-label chilled food manufacturers. Known for its complex, multi-ingredient product range and commitment to quality, innovation, and customer collaboration, this business is a key partner to the UK’s top grocery retailers.
As Managing Director, you will have multi-functional responsibility for a premium own-label chilled food manufacturer, driving growth, innovation, and excellence across the board. This is a highly visible, customer-facing role for a commercially sharp and operationally hands-on leader, ready to shape the future of a fast-paced, food-first business.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the overall strategic direction and day-to-day performance of the business
- Manage and inspire a cross-functional senior leadership team across operations, commercial, technical, and supply chain
- Build and sustain strong, collaborative relationships with major UK grocery retailers
- Oversee manufacturing operations with a clear focus on efficiency, quality, safety, and innovation
- Drive customer-first thinking and ensure delivery of commercial targets and service excellence
- Lead NPD strategy and innovation pipeline in line with customer and consumer trends
- Maintain a visible, hands-on leadership style – from factory floor to boardroom
- Shape organisational structure, culture, and capability to support future growth
- Proven leadership experience in own-label chilled food manufacturing
- Strong multi-functional background across commercial, operations, supply chain, and technical
- Demonstrable success in developing and managing strategic retail customer partnerships
- Track record of leading complex manufacturing environments with pace, clarity, and resilience
- Hands-on, visible leader with the ability to engage teams at all levels and drive cultural alignment
- Commercially astute with a strong grasp of P&L, customer dynamics, and margin delivery
- Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, change-oriented environment with high expectations
Managing Director employer: MacGregor Black
Contact Detail:
MacGregor Black Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who have experience in own-label products. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in chilled food manufacturing and be prepared to discuss how you can drive innovation within the company. Familiarise yourself with the major UK grocery retailers they partner with and understand their specific needs and challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership style by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your hands-on approach and ability to engage with teams at all levels, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commercial acumen by being ready to discuss P&L management and how you've previously driven margin delivery. This will show that you understand the financial aspects of running a successful food manufacturing business.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant leadership experience in the chilled food manufacturing sector. Emphasise your multi-functional background and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive growth and innovation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the Managing Director role. Use specific examples to illustrate your success in managing cross-functional teams and building strong relationships with retail partners.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: Clearly articulate your hands-on leadership style in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you have engaged teams at all levels and driven cultural alignment within previous organisations.
Highlight Commercial Acumen: Demonstrate your understanding of P&L management and customer dynamics. Include any relevant metrics or outcomes that showcase your ability to deliver margin and commercial targets in a fast-paced environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at MacGregor Black
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Managing Director, your leadership experience is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams in the past, particularly in the chilled food manufacturing sector. Highlight your ability to inspire and manage cross-functional teams.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
This role requires a strong understanding of P&L and customer dynamics. Be ready to talk about how you've successfully managed budgets and driven margin delivery in previous roles. Use concrete figures and outcomes to illustrate your points.
✨Emphasise Your Customer Relationships
Building strong relationships with major UK grocery retailers is key. Prepare to share examples of how you've developed and maintained strategic partnerships in the past. Discuss your approach to customer-first thinking and how it has benefited your previous employers.
✨Be Hands-On and Approachable
The job calls for a visible, hands-on leadership style. During the interview, convey your willingness to engage with teams at all levels, from the factory floor to the boardroom. Share instances where your approachable nature has fostered collaboration and cultural alignment.
