At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise production operations in a fast-growing food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Fast-growing independent food manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of the business.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving efficiency and innovation in a scaling operation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in manufacturing and a passion for team development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
There’s something special about joining a business at the right moment – when the foundations are strong, the product is loved, and growth is no longer a question of if, but how far. We’re exclusively representing a fast-growing, independent food manufacturer that has built an exceptional reputation for quality, craft and consistency. As demand continues to accelerate, the business is investing in its next phase of growth - and this is where you come in.
This is a newly created Head of Production role, reporting directly to the Managing Director. It’s a rare opportunity to take full ownership of manufacturing operations in a scaling environment, where your influence will shape not just the factory floor, but the future of the business.
The Opportunity
You’ll step into a pivotal leadership role, bringing together production, planning, and dispatch into a cohesive, high-performing operation. This isn’t about maintaining the status quo. It’s about building refining systems, developing people, and creating a manufacturing function that can scale with confidence. You’ll be as comfortable setting strategy as you are being present on the floor, leading by example, solving problems in real time, and ensuring the day-to-day runs as smoothly as the long-term plan.
What You’ll Be Doing
- You’ll take full responsibility for manufacturing performance, with a focus on:
- Operational Leadership – Aligning production, planning, and dispatch to deliver efficiency, quality, and service excellence
- Team Development – Leading and mentoring managers, building capability, and creating a culture of accountability and collaboration
- Production Planning – Translating demand into clear, achievable plans within a fast-paced, just-in-time environment
- Continuous Improvement – Identifying opportunities to improve flow, reduce waste, and enhance overall performance
Head of Production employer: Zest Food Jobs
Joining this fast-growing independent food manufacturer as the Head of Production offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a company renowned for its quality and craft. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, you will be empowered to lead a high-performing team in a dynamic scale-up environment, where your contributions directly impact operational excellence and business growth. The company values innovation and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Production
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, values, and recent news. When you walk in, show them you’re not just another candidate – you’re genuinely excited about being part of their growth story.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in operational leadership and team development. We want you to shine and demonstrate that you’re the perfect fit for shaping their manufacturing function.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals ready to make an impact in a scaling environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Production
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food Manufacturing:When you’re writing your application, let your love for food manufacturing shine through! We want to see how your experience aligns with our values of quality and craft. Share specific examples that highlight your passion and expertise in the industry.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. We’re looking for candidates who understand the unique challenges of a scale-up environment. Make sure to customise your application to reflect how your skills can help us build a high-performing operation.
Highlight Leadership Experience:As the Head of Production, you’ll be leading teams and driving change. Use your application to showcase your leadership style and any relevant experiences where you’ve successfully developed teams or improved processes. We want to know how you can inspire and mentor others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Food Jobs
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company’s history, values, and recent achievements. Understanding their reputation for quality and craft will help you align your answers with their mission and demonstrate genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Production, your leadership approach is crucial. Be ready to discuss your experience in team development and how you've built a culture of accountability. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've mentored managers and fostered collaboration.
✨Prepare for Operational Challenges
Expect questions about operational leadership and production planning. Think of scenarios where you've successfully aligned production and dispatch to enhance efficiency. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you’ve tackled real-time challenges on the factory floor.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
This role is all about refining systems and enhancing performance. Be prepared to discuss your experience with continuous improvement initiatives. Share specific examples of how you've identified opportunities to reduce waste and improve flow in previous roles.
