At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to optimise manufacturing and develop innovative food products.
- Company: Yeo Valley, an independent British brand committed to sustainability and quality.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, healthcare plan, cycle scheme, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a purpose-driven company making a positive impact on people and the planet.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in FMCG manufacturing and experience in cultural change.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
At Yeo Valley, we're about more than just making great food – we're here to Nurture & Nourish People & Planet by Making Great Food the Right Way. Forever. As a co-owned business, we invest in our people, encourage growth, and believe in doing things properly. The Newton Abbot site provides single serve dessert and ice cream under both Yeo Valley brand and own label offerings, with capabilities in dessert & ice cream manufacture. The site is in a stable phase, developing new products and optimising manufacturing capabilities to build profitability.
You will be responsible for leading the site team in delivering the local vision, accountable for developing and executing the site strategy within an 18‑month horizon. As part of Manufacturing leadership, you will enhance and optimise operational performance, share best practice, and help fulfil our Supply strategy to provide the best product, service and cost proposition in our categories, aiming to be the best-in-class supplier.
Responsibilities
- Provide inspirational leadership and create a culture where the site operates as one team of co-owners driven by a common purpose.
- Enable co-owners to develop and grow as experts who are empowered to take ownership, influence change, and drive initiatives in a fair, accountable way.
- Encourage sharing of stories to motivate others, foster relationships, and consider the needs of others.
- Model leadership behaviours that commit to responsibility, fairness, and continuous personal improvement.
- Develop and maintain a positive, ambitious long-term view for the site.
- Foster an adaptable and resilient team, ready for change and comfortable with innovation.
- Provide imaginative solutions for a diverse portfolio of value-added products with affordable, future-ready implementation plans.
- Develop expertise in transitioning projects from initiation to delivery and business-as-usual operations.
- Grow the brand in new product areas and categories.
- Sponsor activities that enhance operations while recognising the need for sustainable manufacturing.
- Embed sustainable practices to protect natural resources through efficient use and waste minimisation.
- Provide pace-setting leadership to achieve ambitious goals.
- Maintain health and safety and food safety fundamentals in all activities.
- Ensure clarity of role responsibilities, performance expectations, and authority to act at all levels.
- Energise the site with continued improvement to deliver future profitability.
Key accountabilities
- Health & Safety of employees and visitors
- Employee engagement
- Labour productivity
- Raw material yield
- Equipment OEE
- Manufactured cost of goods
- Compliance to plan
- Customer service
- Raw material waste
- Carbon intensity
- Right first-time manufacture
- Production Independent
- Consumer complaint ratio CPMU
- Unit cost of manufacture
Qualifications
The important things:
- Proven experience of successful leadership within complex FMCG manufacturing operations
- Proven experience as a successful cultural change agent
- Short shelf life / high care / dairy category experience preferred
- Recognised qualification in Health & Safety
- Prior experience working closely with external customers, preferably in retail/food
Why join the family?
We’re independent, British and proud to make the highest organic foods under the Yeo Valley brand and for many of the UK’s major retailers. We are a purposeful business, driven to make positive impacts on the world as we seek to Nurture and Nourish People and Planet. We have moved into a new era, expanding beyond dairy, and are committed to making great food, the right way forever.
Benefits include:
- 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holidays
- Non-contributory pension scheme
- Life cover
- Healthcare cash back plan
- Cycle to work scheme
- Subsidised Yeo Valley products and services
- Preferential rates with our partners
- Annual bonus (as part of the Employee Benefit Trust, based on company performance)
- Learning and development opportunities; we’re committed to enabling growth
Our closing dates are a guide for the application window; we may close the advert sooner if we can. We are not able to provide employment sponsorship to candidates at this time. Yeo Valley do not accept speculative agency applications; we will only accept applications via our recruitment portal at the point of instruction.
Manufacturing Site Leader - Newton Abbot employer: Yeo Valley Farms (Production) Ltd
At Yeo Valley, we pride ourselves on being more than just a food manufacturer; we are a co-owned business dedicated to nurturing and nourishing both people and the planet. Located in Newton Abbot, our site offers a collaborative work culture that empowers employees to grow and innovate while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. With competitive benefits, including generous holiday allowances and development opportunities, Yeo Valley is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the FMCG sector.
Contact Details:
Yeo Valley Farms (Production) Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Site Leader - Newton Abbot
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, dive into Yeo Valley's values and mission. This way, you can show how your leadership style aligns with their commitment to nurturing people and the planet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some solid examples of your past successes in FMCG manufacturing. Think about how you've led teams through change or improved operational performance. We want to hear those stories that highlight your experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Show your interest in their sustainability initiatives and how you can contribute to their goals. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for good food and sustainable practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Yeo Valley family and making a difference in the food industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Site Leader - Newton Abbot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for food and leadership.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Manufacturing Site Leader. Highlight your relevant experience in FMCG manufacturing and how it aligns with our mission at Yeo Valley.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive change, especially in high-care environments.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our recruitment portal. So, make sure to submit your application there to ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yeo Valley Farms (Production) Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Yeo Valley's mission and values. Understand their commitment to sustainability and how they nurture both people and the planet. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Manufacturing Site Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex FMCG environments. Highlight any cultural change initiatives you've driven and how they positively impacted the workplace.
✨Be Ready for Change
Yeo Valley values adaptability and innovation. Think of instances where you've embraced change or implemented new processes. Be prepared to discuss how you can foster a resilient team that thrives on innovation and is ready to tackle challenges head-on.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have some insightful questions ready. Inquire about their future product areas or how they plan to enhance sustainable practices. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your forward-thinking mindset, which aligns with their ambitious goals.
