At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire manufacturing teams while driving continuous improvement in a food production environment.
- Company: Respected food manufacturing business with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career progression to Site Director and investment in your professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with ambitious plans and a commitment to developing talent.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing while making a real impact on team success.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in food or beverage manufacturing with a focus on continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Some opportunities are about taking the next step. Others are about taking the step that defines the rest of your career. This is one of those opportunities. I'm exclusively partnering with a highly respected food manufacturing business in Cambridgeshire to appoint a Head of Manufacturing - a pivotal leadership role with a clear pathway to becoming the site's future Site Director.
You'll join a process-driven manufacturing operation where people genuinely come first, continuous improvement is embraced and great leadership is recognised and rewarded. This isn't simply about delivering the production plan - it's about developing people, shaping culture, improving performance and helping build the next chapter of the business.
If you're already leading manufacturing within a food or beverage environment and you're looking for a business that will invest in your future as much as you invest in theirs, I'd love to speak with you.
The Opportunity
This is a business that believes its greatest competitive advantage is its people. You'll inherit an experienced manufacturing leadership team and be given the autonomy to lead, coach and develop them while creating an environment where accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement become part of everyday life. You'll play a key role in shaping site strategy while remaining visible on the factory floor, supporting your teams and ensuring operational excellence is consistently delivered. You'll have the freedom to influence both the day-to-day performance of the operation and the long-term direction of the site, making this a genuinely rewarding leadership opportunity.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading and inspiring the manufacturing function through engaging, visible leadership
- Coaching and developing operational leaders, building capability for the future
- Driving a culture built around Safety, Quality, People, Delivery and Cost (SQPDC)
- Embedding Lean manufacturing principles and delivering meaningful continuous improvement
- Improving productivity, efficiencies, yields and overall manufacturing performance
- Supporting strategic planning, capacity optimisation and future investment
- Championing world-class food safety, quality and compliance standards
- Working collaboratively with Engineering, Technical, Supply Chain and Commercial teams to deliver outstanding customer service
- Contributing as a key member of the senior leadership team while preparing for broader site leadership responsibilities
What We're Looking For
We're looking for a warm, engaging and commercially minded manufacturing leader who enjoys helping people succeed just as much as improving operational performance. You may already be a Head of Manufacturing, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager, Head of Operations or a senior manufacturing leader ready for your next challenge within a process-driven food or beverage manufacturing environment.
You'll bring:
- Proven leadership experience within food or beverage manufacturing
- Strong understanding of high-volume, process-driven manufacturing operations
- A track record of delivering Lean and continuous improvement initiatives
- Experience maintaining exceptional food safety and quality standards, including BRC and HACCP
- The ability to inspire, coach and develop high-performing teams
- Strong commercial awareness with experience improving productivity, efficiency and cost performance
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships across every level of the business
Most importantly, you'll be someone who leads with authenticity, enjoys bringing people together and wants to leave every team stronger than they found it.
Why This Role?
Some Head of Manufacturing roles are about keeping the operation running. This one is about helping shape where it's going. You'll join a business with ambitious plans, continued investment and a leadership team that genuinely believes in developing its people from within. You'll have the opportunity to influence strategy, build capability across the site and, over time, step into a future Site Director position as part of a planned succession journey.
If you're looking for a role where you can make a real difference today while building towards something even bigger tomorrow, this is an opportunity well worth exploring.
Interested?
This appointment is being managed exclusively by Zest Recruitment, so all applications and enquiries will be handled in complete confidence. If you're an ambitious manufacturing leader who wants to develop people, influence strategy and ultimately progress into site leadership, I'd love to tell you more. Apply today or contact Shaf Islam for a confidential conversation.
Head of Manufacturing in Cambridge employer: Zest Food Jobs
Join an ambitious, founder-led food and beverage manufacturer in North London as an Operations Manager, where your contributions will directly shape the future of the business. With a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture, you'll enjoy significant career progression, private healthcare, and a long-term equity opportunity, all while working closely with experienced founders in a fast-paced environment that values innovation and initiative. This is a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in a growing company that prioritises quality and customer partnerships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing in Cambridge
✨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 Zest Food Jobs, 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 Head of Manufacturing in Cambridge
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 Zest Food Jobs 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 Zest Food Jobs
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Zest Food Jobs, 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 Zest Food Jobs 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.
