At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and empower a team to achieve production excellence in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a fast-growing global biscuits and confectionery business with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private medical insurance, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while bringing happiness to consumers through quality products.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in a manufacturing setting are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you. As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits. To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led, resilient and positive because we expect pace and agility, insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact.
Site Introduction: Opened in , our Harlesden site is a cornerstone of pladis UK’s manufacturing excellence. Home to over dedicated employees, it produces iconic favourites including Chocolate Digestives, Chocolate Hobnobs, Rich Tea, and Mini Cheddars. As one of our largest and most dynamic facilities, Harlesden contributes % of pladis UK’s total volume, with products proudly exported to more than countries worldwide.
Working Pattern: This is a rotating night shift role including weekends. Each shift is hours :-:. The full working pattern is as follows: , on off, on off, on off, on off, on off.
This position is available initially as a month fixed term contract.
What will this role achieve? As a Manufacturing Team Manager, you will create a positive impact by leading, developing and empowering colleagues to deliver excellent results. Your purpose is to lead people, processes, products and plant performance, ensuring strong operational outcomes in line with site priorities. You’ll be accountable for critical metrics, team capability, and overall manufacturing efficiency. This role is based at our Harlesden factory in London and focuses on moulded products, including Digestives, Hobnobs and Chocolate Digestives.
What will be your key deliverables?
- Lead, coach and support your team (of approx. Line Operators) to meet the expectations and behaviours outlined in their role profiles.
- Motivate and develop colleagues through regular feedback, skills assessments and ongoing competency development.
- Ensure production targets, labour plans and conformance-to-plan metrics are consistently achieved.
- Drive performance across key measures, including OEE, efficiency, waste, downtime, labour utilisation and product accuracy.
- Use and maintain key operational systems (, Autostore, Workday, SAP, SFOL, Absence Manager) to ensure reliable and accurate management information.
- Facilitate effective communication across shifts and between operations, engineering and support functions using the tiered accountability process and escalation points.
- Promote a strong focus on customer service (internal and external), identifying opportunities to enhance satisfaction and service levels.
- Champion continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to reduce cost, improve standards and drive operational excellence.
- Ensure strict adherence to Quality Management Systems and all relevant procedures.
Bring your experience.
Essential:
- Proven leadership capability with a track record of role‑modelling high standards, integrity and positive behaviours.
- Strong communication skills with the confidence to challenge, influence and motivate others.
- Experience managing teams in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience working within a Lean environment and applying Lean principles.
- Demonstrated ability to delegate effectively, empower colleagues and drive team performance.
- A strong sense of accountability and ownership.
Desirable:
- Experience within bakery or savoury snacks manufacturing.
- A proactive approach to self‑development and building the skills needed to excel in the role.
- Ability to adapt positively to change and support others through transition.
- Experience coaching or developing colleagues to achieve strong performance.
What will the interview process be?
- Initial Telephone call with Talent Acquisition
- 1st stage interview – minutes competency-based interview based on our company values and your experience.
- 2nd stage interview – minutes – a technical interview to understand your skill set/case study or presentation interview.
What does pladis offer you?
- Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – this is the business’s annual bonus scheme.
- Private medical Insurance
- Enhanced parental leave and a supportive phased return-to-work program to help colleagues balance family and career.
- Stakeholder Pension Scheme
- Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme
- 25 days annual leave
- Holiday Enhancement Scheme
- Volunteering Day per year
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discount and Cashback Scheme – make your everyday spending work hard for you on major high street brands, supermarkets and services
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial Wellbeing Support
- Access to great training and development opportunities
Our Values:
- Purpose led – We’re energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite
- Agile – We’re ever evolving, we never stand still, always improving for our customers and our consumers.
- Positive – We’re highly motivated, optimistic, courageous, and we inspire each other to be better
- Resilient - We’re persistent in the face of setbacks, quick to adapt, learn and move forward
- Collaborative – We gain strength from operating as one pladis, winning and succeeding together
pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every great recipe we’re a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.
Accessibility at Harlesden: Our Harlesden site has step-free access, accessible entrances and lifts between floors to support individuals with mobility needs. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, and where possible to perform key job functions. pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.
Manufacturing Team Manager in London employer: pladis Global
At pladis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and accountability. Our Harlesden site not only produces beloved products but also provides employees with extensive growth opportunities, competitive benefits like private medical insurance and an annual incentive plan, and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Join us in our mission to bring happiness to the world while developing your career in a supportive and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Team Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, dive into pladis' values and mission. Show us how your personal values align with our purpose-led approach to bringing happiness. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for those competency-based questions by thinking of examples from your past experiences that showcase your leadership and resilience. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges head-on!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show us you’re genuinely interested in the role and the team. Ask about our continuous improvement initiatives or how we foster collaboration. It’s a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind us of your passion and fit for the Manufacturing Team Manager role. We appreciate the effort!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Team Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how your passion for bringing happiness aligns with our mission at pladis. Share why you’re excited about the opportunity to lead a team in our dynamic manufacturing environment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Manufacturing Team Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with our values and the specific requirements of the position!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates communicate effectively, as it reflects the strong communication skills we value in our team members.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team at pladis. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at pladis Global
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into pladis and its values. Understand their mission to bring happiness through quality products. Familiarise yourself with their iconic brands and the specific role of a Manufacturing Team Manager, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Manufacturing Team Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully led teams, motivated colleagues, and achieved operational excellence. Highlight your experience in a manufacturing environment and how you've applied Lean principles to drive performance.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
pladis values collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively with cross-functional teams. Share instances where you've facilitated communication between different departments or shifts, and how that contributed to achieving production targets and enhancing customer satisfaction.
✨Be Resilient and Positive
The company looks for candidates who embody resilience and positivity. Prepare to discuss challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Show your ability to adapt to change and support others through transitions, as this will resonate well with pladis's culture.