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- Tasks: Lead and improve factory performance in a fast-paced food environment.
- Company: Dynamic food manufacturing company focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression in a supportive and evolving environment.
- Why this job: Join a team ready for change and help shape the future of operations.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in food manufacturing and a track record of operational improvements.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
There’s a point in your career where you stop looking for “the next role” and start looking for something you can truly influence. This Factory Manager opportunity in South Wales is exactly that. It’s a site in transition, not perfect, not polished – but full of potential. There’s a clear recognition from the senior leadership team that things need to improve, and more importantly, a willingness to invest in the right person to help lead that change.
You’ll be joining an evolving SLT, working alongside new leaders who are focused on building a more structured, accountable, and high-performing operation. This role sits right at the heart of that journey. You’ll take ownership of manufacturing across two key departments in a complex, fast-paced, short shelf-life food environment. It’s a role that blends operational grip with leadership presence and where success comes from getting into the detail, but also lifting the capability of the people around you.
There are challenges here around efficiency, waste, consistency, and structure – but they’re the kind of challenges that a strong Factory Manager will recognise as opportunity.
Key Responsibilities- Own and lead factory performance end-to-end – Deliver safe, on-time, in-full production across multiple areas, creating flow and consistency across the operation.
- Drive OEE, efficiency, and downtime improvements.
- Bring discipline to processes and shift the culture from reactive fixes to proactive, sustainable improvement.
- Lead, coach, and develop your production leadership team – Build capability across Shift Managers and Team Leaders, creating accountability and stronger day-to-day ownership.
- Maintain high standards in food safety, quality, and GMP.
- Manage labour and resource effectively.
- Collaborate across functions and contribute at SLT level.
- Proven senior leadership experience within food manufacturing – You’ll already be operating at Production, Operations, or Factory Manager level within a complex, high-volume environment.
- A strong track record of improving operational performance – Experience driving OEE, reducing waste, improving yield, and stabilising production processes is essential.
- You understand how to turn data into action.
- Deep understanding of food safety, quality, and GMP standards.
- A hands-on, visible leadership style.
- This isn’t a “steady-state” role. You’ll need the ability to navigate challenges, maintain momentum, and lead with consistency even when things are tough.
- Strong people leadership and coaching capability – You know how to get the best out of teams – developing capability, addressing underperformance, and creating a culture.
Factory Manager employer: Zest Food Jobs
Contact Detail:
Zest Food Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Factory Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on that Factory Manager role you’re eyeing.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by diving deep into the company’s culture and challenges. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one who can lead the change they need in their food manufacturing processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your hands-on leadership style. Share specific examples of how you’ve turned data into action and improved operational performance in previous roles. They want to see that you can get into the detail!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Factory Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Change: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for driving change. Share examples of how you've influenced operations in the past and how you can bring that energy to our evolving site.
Be Specific About Your Experience: We want to know about your proven leadership experience in food manufacturing. Highlight specific achievements related to OEE improvements, waste reduction, and any hands-on leadership moments that showcase your ability to tackle challenges head-on.
Demonstrate Your People Skills: This role is all about leading and developing teams. Make sure to include stories that illustrate your coaching capabilities and how you've built accountability within your teams. We love seeing how you get the best out of people!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a real impact.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Food Jobs
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Factory Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of operational performance metrics. Brush up on key figures like OEE, waste reduction rates, and production yield. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a hands-on, visible leadership approach. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to coach and develop teams. Think about specific situations where you turned underperformance into success and how you fostered accountability among your team leaders.
✨Embrace the Challenges
The job description mentions navigating challenges and maintaining momentum. Be prepared to talk about times when you faced significant obstacles in a fast-paced environment. Share how you tackled these issues and turned them into opportunities for improvement.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the company’s culture and values, especially their focus on food safety and quality. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs. This will show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.