At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Fresh Meat Department, driving performance and commercial growth.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a fast-paced food operations environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, holiday perks, and a company pension.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sales and operational standards in the meat industry.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused General Manager to lead and develop the Fresh Meat function within a fast‑paced commercial and operational environment. This is a key leadership role, responsible for driving departmental performance, commercial growth, and operational standards. You will take full ownership of sales performance, product range, pricing, and margin delivery, whilst ensuring the department operates in line with all relevant Health & Safety, food safety, and audit requirements. The role has overall responsibility for the performance and growth of the department, with a clear focus on driving commercial outcomes. Working closely with production, you will ensure alignment between commercial priorities and operational delivery, without direct day‑to‑day supervision of the function. The emphasis will be on strengthening sales performance, managing the range, and improving margin. This role will suit a commercially astute leader who can translate market insight, product strategy, and pricing into profitable growth, while maintaining high standards across quality, compliance, and process.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Fresh Meat Department, ensuring operational and commercial objectives are achieved.
- Provide leadership and support to the Production Manager and wider team.
- Work with the Production Manager to establish and maintain production, quality and operational standards.
- Oversee pricing strategies and margin management to maximise profitability.
- Lead on departmental issues and communications across the business.
- Manage communications to sales representatives, supporting product promotion and upselling opportunities.
- Take responsibility for fresh meat range management.
- Oversee stock takes and stock control processes.
- Act as a key supplier contact, working closely with the Meat Buyer.
- Support continuous improvement across operations and commercial performance.
Skills and Experience
- Proven experience in a general management role.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Experience managing pricing, margins and commercial performance.
- Experience within food, FMCG, or a related product‑led environment would be advantageous.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Commercially focused with the ability to drive business growth and operational efficiency.
Personal Objectives and Performance
Performance measured against key performance indicators (KPIs), aligned to departmental performance, commercial outcomes, and operational standards. Objectives will focus on driving sales growth, improving margins, maintaining product quality, and ensuring operational efficiency across the Fresh Meat function.
Benefits
- Discounted company shopping account
- £500 refer‑a‑friend scheme
- 28 days holiday plus day for birthday
- Company pension (People’s Pension)
- Long service award
General Manager - Meat Operations in Cockermouth employer: Realise HR
Join a dynamic team in Cumbria as a General Manager for Fresh Meat Operations, where you will lead a dedicated department focused on commercial growth and operational excellence. Our company fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development, offering opportunities for leadership and innovation while ensuring a healthy work-life balance with flexible hours. Enjoy competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, a company pension scheme, and a rewarding refer-a-friend programme, making this an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - Meat Operations in Cockermouth
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Realise HR.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Realise HR!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Realise HR, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Realise HR, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - Meat Operations in Cockermouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Realise HR, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Realise HR.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Realise HR. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Realise HR. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Realise HR
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Realise HR’s mission.
