Company Description
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.
Job Description
Location: Blackpool
Department: Operations / Manufacturing
Reports to: Factory General Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
About The Role
We’re looking for an experienced and driven Manufacturing Manager to join our team in Blackpool. This role is central to delivering operational excellence, leading production performance, driving continuous improvement, and creating a safe, motivated, and high-performing workplace. As Manufacturing Manager, you’ll partner closely with the Factory General Manager to deliver the site’s strategic objectives, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency targets are consistently achieved. You’ll inspire your team to challenge the status quo, embrace change, and deliver best-in-class manufacturing performance.
What You’ll Do
- Support the Factory General Manager in delivering the strategic vision and daily operational plan for your area.
- Monitor production performance to ensure operations are within plan; yield, wastage, energy, labour, and material costs, recommending actions where required.
- Lead improvement projects in line with the operations strategy.
- Ensure effective management control systems are in place across production areas.
- Reduce workplace accidents through proactive engagement and participation in the Valeo Site Safety Audit Programme.
- Maintain product quality standards through strict adherence to high manufacturing and hygiene standards.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the site remains audit-ready.
- Drive continuous improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and other key performance metrics.
- Champion corporate programs across Safety, Quality, Lean, Environmental and People initiatives.
- Build and lead a high-performing team through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
Qualifications
- Proven track record in manufacturing leadership and best practice techniques.
- Experience engaging and mobilising front-line teams toward common goals.
- Strong background in quality control, cost management, and health, safety & environmental compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver operational excellence in a fast-paced production environment.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Commercial acumen with a customer-focused mindset.
What we offer you in return
- Matched pension scheme up to 10%
- Death in service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Retailer discount platform
- Staff discount
- And plenty more!
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Manager
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Valeo Foods UK, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Valeo Foods UK specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Valeo Foods UK
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Valeo Foods UK, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Valeo Foods UK value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
