At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform manufacturing operations in a dynamic food production environment.
- Company: Join a leading international food group with a strong heritage and innovative future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of food production.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality and innovation while leading a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in manufacturing leadership and transformation in large organisations.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values accountability, empowerment, and operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Our client is a leading international food group with a proud heritage and ambitious future. Operating at significant scale, with a portfolio of recognised brands and trusted partnerships across retail, foodservice, and export markets. With a network of modern facilities across the UK and Ireland, and a workforce of several thousand colleagues, the business has built a reputation for quality, innovation, and responsibility. Today, it is investing heavily in automation, digital transformation, and modernisation while continuing to deliver safe, affordable, high-quality food to millions of consumers.
We are seeking an exceptional leader to join the leadership team as Group Manufacturing Director (UK & Ireland). Lead a large and diverse manufacturing footprint, aligning operations seamlessly with commercial, supply chain, and innovation functions. Deliver major transformation programmes, from digitalisation and automation to new ways of working, that future-proof capability and sharpen competitiveness. Inspire senior leaders across multiple sites, embedding a high-performance culture that balances accountability with empowerment. Shape and lead capital investment projects that strengthen operational resilience and unlock growth opportunities. Act as a visible and trusted partner to customers, regulators, and the wider market, reinforcing the organisation’s reputation as a leader in its field.
We are looking for a proven board-level manufacturing leader who thrives in complexity. Expertise in leading transformation and cultural change across large, distributed organisations. The resilience and agility to navigate challenge, while keeping the long-term vision in sight.
Manufacturing / Production Manager - Food employer: QLM Search
Contact Detail:
QLM Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing / Production Manager - Food
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want to see you shine, so practice common questions and think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in transformation and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams through change or improved processes. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your ability to inspire and drive results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for exceptional leaders like you to join our team and make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing / Production Manager - Food
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Manufacturing / Production Manager. Highlight your experience in leading transformation and cultural change, as well as any relevant achievements in automation and digitalisation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell a story about your journey as a leader in manufacturing. Use it to showcase how you align with our client's values and their ambitious future in the food industry.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, emphasise your leadership style and how you inspire high-performance cultures. Share examples of how you've balanced accountability with empowerment in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at QLM Search
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's history, values, and recent developments. Understand their commitment to quality and innovation in the food industry, as well as their focus on automation and digital transformation. This knowledge will help you connect your experience with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Group Manufacturing Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've inspired teams, driven cultural change, and managed large-scale transformations. Be ready to discuss how you balance accountability with empowerment in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex challenges. Think of specific scenarios where you've successfully led capital investment projects or improved operational resilience. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Emphasise Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
In this role, you'll need to act as a trusted partner to various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you've built relationships with customers, regulators, and other partners in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to reinforce a company's reputation in the market.