At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic food manufacturing site and drive operational excellence.
- Company: Join a successful, cash-rich food business committed to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, strong growth potential, and hands-on leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Transform a critical site and make a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in food manufacturing and strong people skills.
- Other info: Exciting CAPEX projects and a culture focused on engagement and improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced General Manager to take operational leadership of the largest and most complex manufacturing site within a successful, cash-rich food business. This appointment is a clear commitment from the CEO to transform and future-proof a critical site. With significant investment planned, this role has been created to provide dedicated, hands-on leadership at site level and to unlock the full potential of the operation.
The site is a high-volume food manufacturing facility with the capability to reach significantly higher levels of production as investment and performance improvements are delivered. With CAPEX projects underway in these areas:
- Newly installed and upcoming major processing equipment
- Additional production lines to increase capacity
- A planned new NPD facility
- Wider capital investment to modernise machinery and reduce downtime
The business operates with no debt, strong EBITDA growth, and a leadership team fully aligned behind improving standards, performance, and culture.
Your Role
As Factory General Manager, you will have full responsibility for site performance, leading a large workforce. You will have direct support by a solid and experienced middle management team across functions including; Production, Engineering, Technical & Warehouse. This role requires a balance of strategic leadership and visible, shop-floor presence. You will be expected to lead the site forward operationally, culturally, and technically, while ensuring a strong return on investment from ongoing and future capital projects.
Key responsibilities include:
- Delivering sustained improvements in output, efficiency, and downtime reduction
- Leading major CAPEX projects, from justification through to delivery and benefit realisation
- Increasing utilisation to consistently achieve higher weekly production volumes
- Modernising ways of working while operating within a legacy footprint
- Driving a people-centric culture, improving engagement, capability, and retention
- Holding the management team accountable for performance and behaviours
- Leading cultural change in a site with a mix of long-serving and newer colleagues
- Ensuring food safety, quality, environmental, and sustainability standards are upheld
About You
This role will suit a credible, inspiring manufacturing leader who thrives in complex environments and enjoys building something better. You are likely to bring:
- Senior leadership experience within food or FMCG manufacturing, ideally in added value food environments (e.g. bakery, ready meals, protein, extrusion)
- Exposure to high-volume, high-complexity sites with multiple technologies
- Strong CAPEX and change leadership experience
- A practical, people-focused leadership style, such as being visible, honest, and accountable
- A track record of developing teams, nurturing cultures and implementing succession planning across the site
This is not a role for someone who needs everything to be perfect on day one it is for someone who sees potential, not problems.
If this sounds like a great fit for you then please click below to apply or reach out to me directly at jack@morepeople.co.uk for more information on the position.
Factory General manager employer: MOrePeople
Contact Detail:
MOrePeople Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Factory General manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend local events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your leadership style. This will help you showcase how you can drive improvements and lead the team effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in high-volume food manufacturing makes you the perfect fit for the role. Highlight your CAPEX project successes and how you've transformed operations in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the exciting changes ahead.
We think you need these skills to ace Factory General manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and any relevant CAPEX projects you've led. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Factory General Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've driven improvements and engaged teams in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for someone who can lead with a people-centric approach. In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed diverse teams in complex 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 MOrePeople
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Factory General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of key performance metrics. Brush up on production efficiency rates, downtime statistics, and CAPEX project outcomes. Being able to discuss these figures confidently will show that you’re not just a leader but also someone who understands the operational heartbeat of the factory.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a practical, people-focused leadership style. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments. Highlight your ability to engage with both long-serving and newer colleagues, and how you’ve driven cultural change in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare scenarios related to improving output, managing CAPEX projects, or enhancing team engagement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the company’s culture and values before the interview. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their commitment to food safety, quality, and sustainability. Showing that you understand and resonate with their mission will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely invested in the role.