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- Tasks: Lead the Sweet Treats manufacturing cluster and manage the Carlton bakery operations.
- Company: Join Premier Foods, a leading UK food company with beloved brands like Mr Kipling.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, employee discounts, and wellbeing programmes.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving transformational change in a people-first culture.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in manufacturing, with a track record in multi-site management.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of iconic British cakes while fostering inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
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Manufacturing Director – Ambient Cake
Date: 20 Aug 2025
Location: Barnsley, GB
Manufacturing Director (Ambient Cake)
Location: Carlton, Barnsley, S71 3HF
Where Passion Meets Purpose
At Premier Foods, we’re proud to be one of Britain’s biggest listed food companies, with over 4,000 colleagues across 13 sites. Our brands are found in 94% of British households, and our Sweet Treats division is home to some of the UK’s best-loved products including Mr Kipling and Cadbury cakes.
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Supply Chain Officer, the Manufacturing Director (Sweet Treats) is a pivotal senior leadership role with dual responsibility:
- Cluster Leadership : You’ll lead the strategic direction of the Sweet Treats (Cake) manufacturing cluster, comprising three factories—Carlton (home base), Moreton, and Stoke-on-Trent—with a combined headcount of approximately 2,000.
- Factory General Manager : You’ll also take direct ownership of the Carlton site, one of the largest purpose-built bakeries in the world, with up to 1,100 colleagues on site (peak) and 11 production lines of 350 SKUs.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead top-line growth and profitability across the cluster
- Shape and implement the operational strategy in partnership with commercial and marketing teams
- Drive cross-functional collaboration to embed group strategies in HR, Technical, and other functions
- Own cluster-wide and Carlton-specific P&L performance
- Champion root cause analysis and continuous improvement
- Align commercial demand planning with factory output and cost base
- Actively contribute to strategic direction as an ELT-1 member
- Manage the Sweet Treats capex budget, balancing infrastructure and cost-out investments
- Role model Premier Foods’ leadership behaviours and values
- Foster inclusion and diversity across all sites
Additionally, as Factory General Manager – Carlton:
- Ensure a safe, high-performing, and engaging workplace
- Lead food safety, GMP, and quality standards
- Reduce waste and customer complaints through effective maintenance and CI
- Own the HACCP programme and site talent strategy
- Deliver a 5-year strategic vision and capital investment programme
- Align functional structures and KPIs to business goals
- Lead site communications and decision-making across safety, quality, spend, and recruitment
What We’re Looking For
With a commitment of over £20m in capex this year alone, and we’re looking for a dynamic multi-site leader to drive transformational change and deliver results at pace, whilst demonstrating:
- Senior operational leadership experience in manufacturing or FMCG
- Proven success in leading multi-functional/multi-site teams and delivering strategic objectives
- Experience leading large-scale capex projects and driving cultural change
- Strong project management and continuous improvement expertise
- Experience with trade unions and complex stakeholder environments
What We Offer You
- Highly competitive, senior level package
- On-target bonus
- Sharesave scheme and employee discount programme
- Access to wellbeing and development programmes
- A warm, inclusive, and people-first culture where individuality is celebrated
We’re not just building careers—we’re building a community where everyone can thrive. We believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where every colleague can bring their true self to work. Apply now to join our journey.
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Manufacturing Director - Ambient Cake employer: Premier Foods
Contact Detail:
Premier Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Director - Ambient Cake
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the FMCG and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into Premier Foods and their hiring process.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Premier Foods' recent projects and initiatives, especially those related to the Sweet Treats division. Being knowledgeable about their current strategies will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with large-scale capex projects and how you've driven cultural change in previous roles. Be ready to provide specific examples that demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the role. Understanding how to align functional structures with business goals will show your strategic mindset and readiness for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Director - Ambient Cake
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Manufacturing Director position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your senior operational leadership experience in manufacturing or FMCG. Emphasise your success in leading multi-functional teams and any large-scale capex projects you've managed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Highlight your project management expertise and how you can drive transformational change at Premier Foods, aligning with their values and culture.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of your achievements in previous roles, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Premier Foods and their values. Understanding their commitment to inclusion and community will help you align your answers with what they value in a candidate.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Manufacturing Director, you'll need to demonstrate your senior operational leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led multi-functional teams and driven strategic objectives in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to manufacturing processes, food safety standards, and continuous improvement methodologies. Brush up on your knowledge of HACCP and other relevant regulations to show your expertise.
✨Discuss Your Vision for the Role
Be ready to articulate your strategic vision for the Sweet Treats manufacturing cluster. Think about how you would approach driving growth, managing capex budgets, and fostering a high-performing workplace.
