At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a high-performing manufacturing team to achieve operational excellence.
- Company: Join Warburtons, a leading name in the FMCG sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus opportunities, generous holiday, and health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique contributions.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing while driving continuous improvement and team development.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG management and knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
- Manufacturing Site Leader
- Full Time / Permanent
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Manufacturing Site Leader to oversee our Bellshill site’s Manufacturing operations.
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and delivering outstanding performance across all key metrics.
You will lead a high-performing team, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and collaborate cross-functionally to support business growth and transformation.
The Recipe
To lead and engage the Manufacturing teams at the site to deliver daily customer service targets with effective resource planning, whilst managing HSE, Quality, Food Safety and cost.
To drive a Manufacturing Excellence continuous improvement culture to deliver sustained performance improvements.
The role has full responsibility for the site facilities and services across both Manufacturing and Distribution functions.
Key Accountabilities and Measures
Established in 1998, Bellshill is one of Warburtons’ most established and strategically important manufacturing sites.
It operates two production plants and is the exclusive producer of our milk roll, delivering nearly one million units weekly.
With over 150 full-time colleagues and a dedicated temporary workforce, the site plays a central role in our five-year growth strategy, which includes significant investment in automation, modernisation, and innovation to support increased capacity and future expansion.
Your Leadership in Action
As the Manufacturing Site Leader, you’ll take full ownership of site operations, leading a high-performing team to deliver on safety, quality, service, and efficiency.
You’ll embed a strong health and safety culture, ensuring compliance and proactive risk management.
Food safety and product quality will be non-negotiable, with robust systems in place to meet internal and external standards.
Your leadership will drive operational performance, managing budgets, improving reliability, and collaborating across functions to meet customer expectations.
You’ll champion continuous improvement, using lean principles to enhance processes and embed a culture of excellence.
People development will be central to your approach. You’ll coach, support, and grow talent, ensuring your team is engaged, accountable, and future ready.
This is a role for a strategic thinker and someone who can deliver results today while shaping the site for tomorrow.
Essential Ingredients
- Knowledge and experience of management in an FMCG environment – in particular, knowledge and experience of Lean manufacturing tools & techniques.
- Knowledge of TPM philosophies desirable.
- Experience or knowledge of working within an ‘Enterprise Leadership’ culture or matrix organisation desirable.
- Knowledge and experience of bread or OWB making processes, plant & technology desirable.
- Knowledge of legislation relating to a manufacturing/distribution environment (including employment law).
- H&S/Food Safety/food hygiene systems & legislation knowledge e. g. COSHH, IOSH.
- Quality systems & knowledge of HACCP – able to ensure the factory’s output meet required quality standards.
- IT and PC knowledge – able to use widespread functions within relevant software (inc Office and SAP).
- Business & market knowledge – uses knowledge of customers/market to improve processes & products.
- Knowledge of auditing processes.
- Knowledge of procedures for dealing with emergencies.
- Communicating skills – articulate/develops effective, long-term relationships with key people.
- Coaching and mentoring skills – takes responsibility for the training and coaching of others.
- Influencing & negotiating skills – maintains attention when speaking to groups of people/negotiates successful deals and purchases/develops persuasive arguments/demonstrates flexibility in influencing style.
- Analysing and problem-solving skills – anticipates problems before they occur and takes steps to deal with them/correctly & swiftly identifies the underlying problem & finds appropriate solutions.
- Time & project management skills – uses project management techniques to create effective plans with milestones/identifies areas of risk & plan contingency/monitors and communicates work & project progress.
- Decision making skills – makes timely decisions/takes account of the wider risks & implications.
- Commercial acumen– uses an understanding of the cost base to improve profitability
- Financial acumen - experience of creating full site budgets.
- Strategic thinking skills – develops strategy and long-term plans and objectives for the factory/re-designs processes & ways of working to meet long-term objectives.
- Management & leadership skills – develops an exciting vision which inspires others to perform/uses a range of management styles/deals effectively with performance issues/creates a sense of trust in the team.
- Innovating skills – identifies improvements to systems and processes and develops a culture within the factory where creativity and innovation are valued and rewarded.
- Extra Dough
- At last and by no means least you will want to know what your breads worth:
- Car allowance
- A personal bonus opportunity and a slice of the annual profits (discretionary profit share)
- Family time is important to us and we know it will be to you, so you will have 5 weeks holiday and bank hols. Plus the opportunity to purchase up to an extra weeks annual leave.
- Award winning pension scheme with company contributions up to 7%
- Private medical insurance, health screening and life assurance
- Products you will love along with deals and discounts for you and the family through our Extra Dough website
- Support for your health and wellbeing, including access to free physiotherapy, 24/7 access to a confidential helpline for practical advice and a comprehensive occupational health service
We respect and value difference.
We look to create an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity.
Companies that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, or any other aspect which makes them unique, are proven to be better companies.
More importantly, creating an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work, is the right thing to do.
Job Opportunities: Manufacturing Site Leader in Bellshill employer: Warburtons
Warburtons is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Brimsdown, North London, where teamwork and innovation are at the forefront. With a competitive salary of up to £62,300, employees benefit from a strong focus on personal development and a supportive culture that encourages continuous learning and growth. The 4 on 4 off shift pattern allows for a healthy work-life balance, making it an attractive opportunity for skilled Multi-Skilled Engineers looking for meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Job Opportunities: Manufacturing Site Leader in Bellshill
✨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 Warburtons, 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Job Opportunities: Manufacturing Site Leader in Bellshill
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 Warburtons 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 Warburtons
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Warburtons, 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 Warburtons 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.
