At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in transforming and growing a flagship FMCG factory.
- Company: Valeo Foods UK, home to beloved food brands and innovative products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Other info: Join us at an exciting time of growth and transformation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of iconic UK food brands.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At Valeo Foods UK we bring together a family of much-loved UK food brands supported by the scale and ambition of a global investment partner. From Kettle’s bold crunch to Rowse’s natural sweetness, through to Matthew Walker and Barratt Sweets, our portfolio blends heritage, craft and category-leading innovation. Alongside our branded portfolio, we are also one of the UK’s largest suppliers of private label products, partnering with major retailers to deliver quality and category expertise that meets the needs of millions of households every week.
As a business, we’re on a journey of transformation. We’re strengthening our operations, driving quality and investing in our people. It’s an exciting, fast-moving environment where heritage meets new thinking, and where every colleague contributes to shaping the future of food across the UK. Join us and play your part in building the next chapter of some of Britain’s most loved brands.
Gateshead isn’t just the home of Manomasa tortillas, it’s a flagship Valeo Foods UK site with a deeply engaged workforce, and ambitious plans for future growth and investment. As we enter a pivotal phase of transformation and operational excellence, we’re looking for a Factory General Manager to lead the site with confidence, clarity and commercial strength.
This is a role with real breadth and visibility. As Site Leader, you’ll have full accountability for performance across Safety, Quality, Cost, Service and People, leading a multi‑disciplined team spanning Production, Engineering, Technical, HSE and Warehouse. Working closely with central and category teams, you’ll ensure the site delivers today while building capability for the future. Above all, you’ll set the tone, shaping culture, developing leaders and ensuring Gateshead remains a great place to work.
You’ll take ownership of budgets and financial performance, driving cost control, efficiency improvement and loss reduction while maintaining strong, credible relationships with our UK retail and branded customers. Quality and service are non‑negotiable: the Manomasa brand is bold, differentiated and loved by consumers, and our customers rely on us for consistency, reliability and innovation. Your leadership will ensure those standards are met every day.
At its heart, this role is about people. Gateshead has a proud, committed workforce, and your leadership will shape their experience. You’ll strengthen engagement and communication across the site, build succession and talent plans, and embed a culture where continuous improvement, ownership and accountability feel natural.
This is a complex, fast‑moving FMCG operation, so you’ll be highly comfortable operating at scale within food manufacturing, with strong operational and commercial grounding and the confidence to lead multifunctional teams in a high‑performance environment. With further investment on the horizon, you’ll play a key role in leading change ensuring initiatives land well, deliver value and strengthen the long‑term capability of the factory.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a high‑profile, high‑potential site at an exciting point in its journey. If you’re motivated by operational excellence, energised by transformation, and passionate about leading large, diverse teams, Gateshead offers a genuine platform to make a lasting impact within Valeo Foods UK.
Site Leader: FMCG Factory, Transformation & Growth in Gateshead employer: Valeo Foods Group
Valeo Foods UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Gateshead where innovation meets tradition. With a strong focus on employee development and engagement, we provide ample opportunities for growth while fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability. Join us to be part of a transformative journey that not only shapes the future of beloved food brands but also empowers you to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Leader: FMCG Factory, Transformation & Growth in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the FMCG industry, especially those connected to Valeo Foods. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Valeo Foods and its brands. Understand their transformation journey and think about how your experience can contribute to their goals. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss examples of how you've led teams through change and improved performance. Valeo Foods values strong leaders, so highlight your ability to engage and inspire others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Valeo Foods family.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Leader: FMCG Factory, Transformation & Growth in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Site Leader role. Highlight your leadership experience in FMCG and any transformation projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background fits with our mission at Valeo Foods UK. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive operational excellence and lead teams. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve improved efficiency or reduced costs, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Valeo Foods Group
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Valeo Foods UK. Familiarise yourself with their brands, values, and recent news. Understanding their journey of transformation will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their future.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Site Leader, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multifunctional teams, driving operational excellence, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Be ready to discuss how you've engaged and developed talent in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced FMCG environment. Think of specific challenges you've faced, how you approached them, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the complexities of the role and your readiness for transformation.
✨Emphasise Your Financial Acumen
Since you'll be accountable for budgets and financial performance, brush up on your financial management skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've driven cost control and efficiency improvements in past roles. Showing that you can balance quality with cost-effectiveness will be key.
