Plant Manager in High Wycombe

Synergy Flavours, a division of the Carbery Group, is a global leader in flavourings, extracts, and essences. With locations in 8 countries and customers in over 50 countries, we combine innovation, sensory science, and application expertise to deliver high-quality taste solutions across the food and beverage industry. Guided by our purpose of enriching lives, we help our customers meet evolving consumer needs, whether through sugar reduction, clean label innovation, or enhanced nutritional profiles, while fostering sustainability and collaboration.

The Plant Manager has direct responsibility for the High Wycombe plant and facilities, delivering highest operational standards, hygiene, fabrication, aesthetics, engineering & maintenance. Ensure all products are manufactured to the required product safety and quality standards, safely and on time. Develop and maintain a continuous improvement culture to improve safety, quality, service and costs. The plant manager manages all day to day matters with a team of people working in Production, Warehousing and Maintenance.

As a Plant Manager, you will oversee all plant operations, including production, maintenance, and warehouse management.

• Provide leadership and guidance to plant personnel, including managers, supervisors, technicians, and production operatives; give the right example being the leader at site.
• Set performance goals, conduct performance evaluations, and provide feedback to enhance employee productivity and morale.
• Identify training needs and develop training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
• Work with the HSE Manager to ensure compliance with the HSE and that the Company Health & Safety policy is adhered to and that the business culture is designed to minimise risk to the lowest achievable level.
• Implement practices of good housekeeping to avoid energy and water spills and identify opportunities to lower use of natural resources and emissions.
• Ensure that the Quality Assurance procedures are strictly adhered to, and that a culture of "quality first" pervades production.
• Foster a culture of innovation and encourage employees to contribute ideas to improve safety, quality, service and cost.
• Implement a structured program to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare a multi-year investment plan to enable growth, drive efficiency improvements and sustainability initiatives, and maintaining the equipment at the right level.
• Drive the process for well substantiated investment proposals to enable an organized approval process.
• Ensure proper project management is taking place to successfully execute approved investments and a smooth handover to the shopfloor.
• Manage plant budgets, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement measures to control expenses.
• Analyse production processes to identify inefficiencies and implement cost-effective solutions.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers and vendors to ensure favorable terms and pricing.
• Ensure the optimal performance and availability of the production equipment.
• Implement practices for preventive maintenance programs, optimizing operational efficiency and ensuring compliance with safety standards and budget requirements.
• Ensure premises and building are safe, secure, well maintained and clean.
• Ensure the UK facilities comply with legislation.
• Manage key infrastructure projects.

Key Ingredients for Success:

• Degree in Food Science, Engineering, or related subject
• Experience in Food & Beverages
• Proven leadership skills
• Track record of achieving results
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy
• Experience with implementation of Continuous Improvement programs
• Effective communicator with all stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Ability to deal with complexity and change, prioritise effectively, and deliver within short timescales
• Previous experience of working in the flavour industry
• Capability to take a broader responsibility in the future

We are a diverse and growing workforce of over 1,000 people across eight countries globally. As we continue to grow, we want to ensure that Carbery Group continues to be a place where people are supported to develop and feel that they can do their best work. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and an inclusive workplace where your skills, perspectives, and experience help shape the future of our industry. Join us and be part of a team that values collaboration and makes a meaningful impact - from local communities to global markets. Carbery Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a supportive work environment.