At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and drive product excellence.
- Company: Join Natures Way Foods, a leading manufacturer with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, health cash plan, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career progression in a rapidly growing organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams in food or manufacturing environments is essential.
The predicted salary is between 33750 - 41250 £ per year.
We are on the hunt for a dynamic and driven Department Manager to join our team at the bustling Runcton site in Chichester! Reporting to the Shift Manager, you will take the reins of a talented team of Manufacturing and Production Operatives, leading the charge in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of your section on the factory floor. This is your chance to make an impact in a fast-paced environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to grow!
Shift Pattern
We operate a rotational shift pattern covering 7 to 7 both days and nights. You will work a total of 14 days over a 28-day period. Typically, you would be working as follows:
- Week 1 - Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
- Week 2 - Wednesday & Thursday
What you get from us
- Salary between £34,000 - £37,000 dependent on experience
- Annual bonus
- Shift Allowance
- Employer matched pension up to 5%
- Health cash plan
- Flexible benefits including corporate gym discounts, shopping discounts, enhanced maternity & paternity policy and many more
- Access to online GP & life assurance
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities
- Drive product excellence by coaching and developing your team, ensuring timely production that meets all specifications
- Lead with passion and energy, inspiring and engaging a diverse team to achieve success
- Collaborate effectively to tackle seasonal challenges, manage raw material variations, and meet quality and tight deadline requirements
- Challenge the status quo and mentor your team to continuously improve, striving for perfection in every product that leaves the facility
- Meet and exceed KPIs while adhering to GMP standards, food safety protocols, and health and safety regulations
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Technical, Engineering, Hygiene, Logistics, Health & Safety, Finance, and Supply Chain, to ensure seamless operations
- As a line manager, you are responsible for identifying and reporting signs of modern slavery within your team
Qualifications
Experience/skills required
- Demonstrated experience in managing teams within a Food, Manufacturing, or FMCG factory environment
- Solutions-focused, adept at handling a complex and demanding workload
- Strong, clear communicator, both verbally and in writing
- Skilled at balancing priorities and making timely, effective decisions to meet customer needs
- Resilient and composed under pressure, capable of guiding your team through rapid and necessary changes
Natures Way Foods is the leading manufacturer of prepared salads, coleslaw and food-to-go for supermarkets and retailers, and as such we work closely with farmers across Europe. Our culture is inclusive, and our people are diverse spanning 39 different languages. We operate four manufacturing facilities capable of producing over 400m units per year. It is an exciting time to join Natures Way Foods as we are growing rapidly and there are genuine opportunities to progress within the organisation.
Interested? Click apply, submitting an up-to-date CV. We look forward to hearing from you.
At Nature's Way Food, we believe that diversity and inclusion are key to driving innovation and achieving excellence. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. We are dedicated to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve and the world we live in. Join us in our mission to create a more inclusive and fairer world. Together, we can become best at fresh.
Department Manager in Sussex employer: Natures Way Foods
Natures Way Foods is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Chichester where you can lead a dedicated production team and make a tangible impact on our high-quality output. With a competitive salary, a generous £1,500 sign-on bonus, and a strong focus on employee well-being and professional growth, we foster a culture that values leadership and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in the fast-paced FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Department Manager in Sussex
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Natures Way Foods, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Department Manager in Sussex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Natures Way Foods specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Natures Way Foods
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Natures Way Foods, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Natures Way Foods value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
