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- Tasks: Lead and transform manufacturing operations across the UK and Ireland for a top food group.
- Company: Join a leading international food group with a strong heritage and ambitious future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of food production.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovation and change in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Proven board-level experience in manufacturing and expertise in transformation and cultural change.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performance culture that values accountability and empowerment.
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).
Key Responsibilities:- Lead a large and diverse manufacturing footprint, aligning operations seamlessly with commercial, supply chain, and innovation functions.
- Provide the strategic influence and board presence to drive change across a complex stakeholder landscape.
- Play a key role in M&A integration, ensuring newly acquired businesses are successfully absorbed, aligned, and optimised within the group structure.
- 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.
- Experience of integrating acquisitions, rationalising footprints, and delivering synergies.
- Expertise in leading transformation and cultural change across large, distributed organisations.
- Strong knowledge of lean and continuous improvement, with the ability to translate methods into lasting results.
- The credibility to operate with influence at board level, balancing detail with strategic clarity.
- A reputation as a people leader, able to inspire, stretch, and develop senior teams.
- The resilience and agility to navigate challenge, while keeping the long-term vision in sight.
Group Manufacturing Director - UK & Ireland in Watford employer: QLM Search
Contact Detail:
QLM Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Manufacturing Director - UK & Ireland in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your leadership experience and transformation skills. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the ideal candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be just right for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Manufacturing Director - UK & Ireland in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in leading large teams and driving transformation, as these are key for the Group Manufacturing Director role. We want to see how your background aligns with their ambitious future!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell your story and explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Focus on your strategic influence and experience with M&A integration, as these are crucial for the position. Remember, we love a personal touch!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In both your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your people leadership skills. Talk about how you've inspired teams and fostered a high-performance culture. We want to see your ability to balance accountability with empowerment!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
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 portfolio of brands and how they position themselves in the market. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you align your answers with their strategic goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Group Manufacturing Director, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've inspired teams and driven cultural change in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your impact.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes and manage M&A integrations. Think of past experiences where you successfully aligned diverse teams or delivered transformation programmes. Articulate your thought process clearly to demonstrate your strategic clarity.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Given the focus on lean practices and continuous improvement, be ready to discuss how you've implemented these methodologies in your previous roles. Share tangible results and how these initiatives have contributed to operational resilience and growth, showcasing your expertise in this area.