At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead manufacturing operations and elevate team performance in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a supportive culture focused on teamwork and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, strong benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in dynamic settings and enjoy hands-on leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by solving operational challenges and developing your team.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in food manufacturing and strong HACCP knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Protea Recruitment has been tasked in the search for a Head of Manufacturing who knows how to lead from the front, elevate standards, and build teams that deliver exceptional results every single day. If you thrive in fast‑paced environments, love solving operational challenges, and get energy from developing people, this could be your next move. Preferably coming from a roasting background you will:
- Lead full ownership of manufacturing operations, from planning to execution
- Turn demand into clear, accurate production plans using digital systems
- Provide hands‑on support on the floor and act as the escalation point for operational issues
- Coordinate courier and dispatch, including peak‑period planning
- Ensure preventative maintenance and machinery uptime
- Maintain stock accuracy, inventory control, and cross‑team collaboration
- Implement workflow improvements, system optimisation, and data visibility
- Provide team leadership, coaching, and performance development
- Adhere to food safety, hygiene, HACCP, and compliance standards
- Track KPIs, reduce waste, and manage continuous improvement projects
What You Bring:
- Leadership experience in food manufacturing or a similar fast‑moving environment
- Strong HACCP and food safety knowledge
- Confidence with digital production systems
- A collaborative, commercially aware mindset
- Hands‑on leadership suited to a small, agile team
- Bonus: experience with scaling, lean, or short‑shelf‑life categories
What You’ll Get:
A competitive salary, strong benefits, professional development opportunities, and a genuinely supportive culture built on teamwork, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
Head of Manufacturing employer: Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
At Protea Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of teamwork, curiosity, and continuous improvement. As the Head of Manufacturing, you will not only lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment but also benefit from competitive salaries, strong benefits, and ample professional development opportunities that empower you to grow and excel in your career.
Contact Detail:
Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to manufacturing leadership. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! When discussing your background, highlight specific examples of how you've tackled operational challenges and led teams to success. We want to see that you can walk the talk!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your leadership experience in food manufacturing. We want to see how you've led teams and elevated standards in previous roles, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Tailor your application to include specific experiences related to HACCP, food safety, and digital production systems. We love details that show how you’ve tackled operational challenges and improved workflows.
Demonstrate Your Hands-On Approach:We’re looking for someone who leads from the front, so share instances where you’ve been hands-on in your previous roles. Whether it’s supporting your team on the floor or coordinating peak-period planning, let us know how you get involved!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details 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 Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
✨Know Your Manufacturing Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food manufacturing processes, especially if you have a roasting background. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams in similar environments and tackled operational challenges.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your hands-on leadership approach. Think of instances where you've successfully coached team members or improved performance. Highlight how you elevate standards and foster collaboration within your team.
✨Get Familiar with Digital Systems
Since the role involves using digital production systems, be prepared to discuss your experience with them. Bring examples of how you've turned demand into accurate production plans and optimised workflows using technology.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement by sharing past projects where you've tracked KPIs, reduced waste, or implemented new processes. This shows that you're not just about maintaining standards but also about pushing for better results.
