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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a well-established, innovative food manufacturing business in Bedfordshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, growth opportunities, and a people-centred culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing while driving operational excellence and safety.
- Qualifications: Experience in food production and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: This role offers a clear path to becoming a General Manager.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen with one of our exclusive clients, a well-established volume food manufacturing business, who are on the lookout for a visionary Head of Manufacturing to take the reins at their flagship site in Bedfordshire, England. As this is a new position within the business, it offers a unique chance to shape the future of the site, driving operational excellence, prioritising safety, and fostering a high-performance, quality-driven culture within a dynamic, multi-line production environment with a clear step stone to become the General Manager within a few years.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Lead from the front: Inspire and manage passionate production and hygiene teams, setting the tone for excellence, accountability, and team spirit.
- Deliver results that matter: Own KPIs across safety, quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction — and push beyond them.
- Champion food safety & compliance: Ensure top-tier standards and audit-readiness at all times, working closely with technical teams and contributing to the HACCP team.
- Shape the culture: Foster a collaborative, engaged, and high-performing environment that people love being a part of.
- Drive change: Lead continuous improvement initiatives, reduce waste, and boost productivity through innovation and best practice.
- Collaborate for success: Work cross-functionally with planning, engineering, supply chain, and quality to keep the operation moving seamlessly.
What We're Looking For:
- A seasoned manufacturing leader from the food industry – experience in industrial-scale food production is highly desirable.
- Someone who lives and breathes operational excellence, food safety, and continuous improvement.
- A people-first leader who develops talent, builds strong teams, and leads with energy and purpose.
- Hands-on with KPIs, budgeting, and lean manufacturing – and sharp enough to handle high-volume, fast-paced production.
- Comfortable with data, tech-savvy (MS Office, SAP), and driven by results.
What’s In It for You:
- A high-impact leadership role in a business that’s scaling and investing in the future.
- The autonomy to shape your own team, strategy, and ways of working.
- A chance to lead in a people-centred, quality-driven culture with a strong sense of purpose.
- Competitive compensation, benefits, and the opportunity to grow alongside a forward-thinking leadership team.
- Stepping stone into a senior leadership role with a clear runway to General Manager.
If you’re an experienced leader looking for your next big move in food manufacturing, let’s talk! Apply now or reach out directly for a confidential conversation.
Head of Manufacturing employer: Melium Consulting
Contact Detail:
Melium Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing industry. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and leaders who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in food safety and operational excellence. Being knowledgeable about current best practices will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven change in previous roles. Highlight your experience with KPIs, lean manufacturing, and team leadership to showcase your ability to lead a high-performance culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's values and mission. Tailor your conversations to reflect how your leadership style aligns with their goals, particularly in fostering a collaborative and engaged work environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in food manufacturing and operational excellence. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and achievements in similar roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for the food industry and your vision for the Head of Manufacturing role. Mention how you can contribute to the company's goals and culture.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your hands-on experience with KPIs, budgeting, and lean manufacturing. Be sure to mention your comfort with data and technology, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Provide examples of how you've inspired teams and driven change in previous positions. Highlight any initiatives you've led that resulted in improved safety, quality, or efficiency.
How to prepare for a job interview at Melium Consulting
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Manufacturing, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you inspire and manage teams, focusing on accountability and team spirit. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a high-performance culture in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Operational Excellence
Highlight your experience with KPIs related to safety, quality, and efficiency. Be ready to discuss how you've pushed beyond these metrics in past positions, showcasing your commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Food safety is paramount in this role. Prepare to talk about your experience with compliance standards and audit readiness. Discuss your contributions to HACCP teams and how you've ensured top-tier food safety practices in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position requires working closely with various departments. Be ready to provide examples of successful cross-functional projects you've led or participated in, demonstrating your ability to collaborate effectively to drive operational success.
