Area Manager

As Preparation Area Manager, you will take ownership of all activity within our Preparation environment. This is a critical leadership role, responsible for maintaining operational control through the effective and efficient use of people, materials, and machinery in a fast‑paced food manufacturing setting.

To maintain continuity and safeguard the stability of our operation, it is essential that we implement a structured replacement strategy. This role will ensure we retain the necessary capability, governance, and shift protection previously provided, while also strengthening the long‑term resilience and future of the team.

• Provide day‑to‑day leadership and control of preparation area activity.
• Ensure all raw materials meet required quality, food safety, and specification standards.
• Monitor and manage product yields on a daily and weekly basis.
• Plan, monitor, and respond to staffing requirements in line with production demands.
• Analyse team performance, communicating results and driving continuous improvement.
• Ensure full compliance with company and legislative standards, including Hygiene, HACCP, Food Safety, Quality, and Health & Safety.
• Manage material flow to ensure efficiency and continuity of operations.

We believe success comes from collaboration and diverse perspectives. At Samworth Brothers, we value team players who are driven to achieve great results together. You’ll bring the following skills and experience:

• You are a resilient and credible leader with experience of coaching and developing teams in a chilled or high care food environment.
• You are confident in finding solutions, thinking ahead and making clear decisions under pressure.
• You understand food safety requirements and HACCP Level 3 and IOSH Standards.
• You have a solid grasp of production processes, KPIs and operational planning in a fast paced setting.
• You communicate well, build strong working relationships and manage performance in a fair and consistent way.

We’re building a workplace where different ways of thinking are not just welcomed but supported, with clear communication, flexible processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement so everyone can thrive.

• Company pension scheme
• Access to health and well-being support, such as healthcare, optical and dental discounts
• Employee discount scheme
• Experience annual pay reviews
• Profit related pay
• Opportunity for extended leave
• Free on‑site parking
• Unlock your potential through training and growth opportunities

Samworth Brothers is a fourth‑generation family business, trusted by many of the UK’s best‑known retailers to produce high‑quality own‑label products. Alongside these, we’re proud to craft and deliver our own iconic brands, including Ginsters, Soreen, Higgidy, Dickinson & Morris, Urban Eat, West Cornwall Pasty Company, and Walker & Son. With over 10,000 talented colleagues working across our modern, well‑invested food manufacturing sites nationwide, we’re committed to excellence in everything we do—from the food we make to the careers we build. At Samworth Brothers, you’re more than just an employee, you are part of our strong family culture. Our collaborative approach and strong team spirit help us support one another and achieve great things together.

Ready to make a difference? Join us and be part of something special!

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities employer making diversity and inclusion a core part of everything we do. We also actively welcome applications from neurodivergent individuals and are committed to a recruitment process that’s fair, respectful, and free from bias. If you need any adaptations to the application or interview process, please do let us know.

Samworth Brothers do not engage with unlicensed gangmasters or third parties. Samworth Brothers will NEVER ask you for money in order to provide you with employment. If you are in any doubt, please contact an official Samworth Brothers representative.