Factory General Manager in Wallingford

Factory General Manager in Wallingford

Wallingford Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive performance in safety, quality, and efficiency.
  • Company: Valeo Foods UK, home to beloved food brands and a culture of innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, and private medical insurance.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth and transformation in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of iconic brands while leading a passionate workforce.
  • Qualifications: Experience in FMCG, food manufacturing, and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Company Description

Valeo Foods UK brings 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

Wallingford isn’t just the home of Rowse Honey, it’s a flagship site with a proud local reputation, a highly engaged workforce, and big plans for the future. As we shape the next chapter of growth, investment and operational excellence, we’re looking for a Factory General Manager who can lead the site with confidence, clarity and ambition. This is a role with real breadth. As Site Leader, you’ll be responsible for every aspect of performance across Safety, Quality, Cost, Service and People. You’ll guide a multi‑disciplined team spanning Production, Engineering, Technical, HSE and Warehouse, working closely with central functions to keep the site moving forward. Ultimately, you’ll set the tone, shaping the culture, developing the leadership team and ensuring Wallingford continues to be a great place to work. You’ll take ownership of budgets, cost control and day‑to‑day financial stewardship, working hard to improve efficiencies and reduce losses while maintaining excellent relationships with our UK retail customers. Quality and service standards here are non‑negotiable: the Rowse brand is trusted by millions, and our retailer partners rely on us for exceptional consistency. Your leadership will ensure we continue to meet those expectations.

At its heart, this role is about people. Wallingford has a talented and committed workforce, and your leadership will shape their experience. You’ll support communication and engagement across the site, build strong succession plans, and create a culture where continuous improvement feels natural. You’ll also represent the site within the local community, helping reinforce our reputation as an ethical, progressive employer.

Qualifications

The scale of the operation means you’ll need to be deeply comfortable in a fast‑moving FMCG environment, ideally with experience in food manufacturing and an understanding of engineering or maintenance at plant level. With major investment on the horizon, you’ll play a crucial role in leading the transformation, ensuring improvements land well, deliver value and strengthen the long‑term capability of the factory. This is a rare opportunity to take on a high‑profile, high‑potential site at a genuinely exciting moment in its evolution. If you’re motivated by operational excellence, inspired by change, and energised by leading large, diverse teams, Wallingford offers the platform to make a significant impact.

Additional Information

What we offer you in return:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Bonus & Car Allowance
  • Matched pension scheme
  • Life Assurance
  • Private Medical
  • Retailer discount platform
  • Staff discount
  • And plenty more!

Factory General Manager in Wallingford employer: Valeo Foods UK

Valeo Foods UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our flagship Wallingford site, where heritage meets innovation. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a bonus scheme and private medical insurance, and a commitment to operational excellence, we empower our team to shape the future of some of Britain's most beloved food brands. Join us in a culture that values engagement, continuous improvement, and community connection, making Wallingford not just a workplace, but a place to thrive.
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Contact Detail:

Valeo Foods UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Factory General Manager in Wallingford

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Valeo Foods UK. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching Valeo Foods UK and its brands. Understand their values and recent developments. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their exciting journey.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully led teams in the past, especially in fast-paced environments. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact on performance and culture.

✨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 serious about joining Valeo Foods UK and contributing to their mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Factory General Manager in Wallingford

Leadership Skills
Operational Excellence
Budget Management
Cost Control
Team Development
Communication Skills
Continuous Improvement
FMCG Experience
Food Manufacturing Knowledge
Engineering Understanding
Stakeholder Engagement
Cultural Development
Performance Management
Community Representation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and the industry shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making a difference in the food sector.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Factory General Manager, your leadership is key! Make sure to showcase your experience in leading teams and driving operational excellence. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate others, so share those success stories!

Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Talk about your achievements in fast-moving FMCG environments, especially in food manufacturing. We want to know how you've tackled challenges and improved processes.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Valeo Foods UK

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Factory General Manager, you'll be responsible for budgets and cost control. Brush up on your financial acumen and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Prepare specific examples of how you improved efficiencies or reduced costs in previous roles.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

This role is all about people management. Think about your leadership style and how it aligns with building a strong team culture. Be prepared to share examples of how you've engaged and motivated teams, especially in fast-paced environments like FMCG.

✨Understand the Brand and Its Values

Valeo Foods UK has a rich portfolio of brands. Familiarise yourself with their values and what makes them unique. During the interview, express your passion for these brands and how you can contribute to their growth and reputation in the market.

✨Prepare for Change Management Questions

With transformation on the horizon, expect questions about change management. Reflect on your experiences leading teams through change and be ready to discuss strategies you've used to ensure smooth transitions while maintaining performance and morale.

Factory General Manager in Wallingford
Valeo Foods UK
Location: Wallingford

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