At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise food manufacturing operations while ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: Fast-growing food manufacturer with a strong reputation and loyal customer base.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and opportunity to shape the future of the company.
- Other info: Join a scale-up phase with excellent growth opportunities and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment where your voice is valued.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing management and a passion for team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
There’s a certain type of role that doesn’t come along very often. The kind where you’re not just “running a shift” or “keeping the wheels turning” but genuinely shaping how a food manufacturing business grows. Where your decisions matter, your voice is heard, and the systems you put in place today will still be standing years from now. This is one of those opportunities.
We’re exclusively partnering with a fast-growing food manufacturer that has built an impressive reputation in a short space of time. Backed by loyal customers, strong retail relationships and ambitious founders, they are now entering an exciting scale-up phase. To support this next chapter, they’re looking for a Manufacturing Manager — someone hands-on, practical and people-focused, who thrives in an SME environment and enjoys building structure without stifling momentum.
The Opportunity
This is a broad, influential leadership role, sitting at the heart of the operation and working closely with the Founders. You’ll own the day-to-day manufacturing operation end-to-end: planning, people, performance, food safety and continuous improvement. You’ll be visible on the factory floor, setting standards, solving problems and helping the team deliver consistently as volumes increase. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by red tape, slow decision-making or being “one step removed” from real impact — this role offers something very different.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Running a Safe, Efficient Operation
- Own daily and weekly production planning to meet customer demand
- Balance efficiency, allergen management and service levels
- Ensure smooth changeovers, start-ups and shut downs as the operation scales
- Deliver against key metrics: labour efficiency, yield, waste and downtime
Head of Manufacturing 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
✨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
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.
