At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in food production, ensuring quality and efficiency every day.
- Company: Established food manufacturer investing in operations and people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and opportunities for team development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on production performance and team culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Zest are partnering with a well-established food manufacturer that’s continuing to invest in its operations and people. As part of this growth, they’re looking for a Production Manager to take ownership of a critical department within the manufacturing process.
This is a role for someone who enjoys being close to the operation, leading from the front and developing a team to consistently deliver quality, efficiency and safety. You’ll be responsible for ensuring the operation runs at its best - with the right standards, the right training and the right structure in place so the team can succeed every day.
As the Production Manager, you’ll oversee the day-to-day performance of the department, ensuring plant and equipment operate safely and efficiently while delivering against the production schedule. But beyond the technical side, this role is really about people and leadership. You’ll build capability across the team, making sure everyone is trained, confident in their roles and aligned to the high standards expected within a modern food manufacturing environment.
Working closely with colleagues across quality, maintenance and planning, you’ll play a key role in keeping production moving, resolving challenges quickly and continuously improving the way the department operates.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading and supporting the blending team to deliver production safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards
- Ensuring plant and equipment are operated safely and at optimum performance
- Developing and training team members so they have the skills and knowledge to perform at their best
- Managing production output in line with the Master Production Schedule
- Working cross-functionally to resolve technical or quality issues and identify root causes
- Ensuring all manufacturing documentation is completed accurately and on time
- Partnering with maintenance to prioritise engineering work and minimise downtime
- Upholding high standards across health & safety, hygiene and operational compliance
- Stepping in to support wider plant leadership when required
About You
You’re likely already leading teams within a food manufacturing environment and enjoy being hands-on within the operation. You’ll bring:
- A strong background in working in food manufacturing
- A strong understanding of food manufacturing standards, health & safety and hygiene
- Confidence leading teams and developing people on the factory floor
- The ability to solve problems quickly and work collaboratively across departments
- Strong communication skills and a proactive, self-starting mindset
Most importantly, you’ll be someone who believes that great manufacturing performance starts with great people.
Why This Role?
This is a great opportunity to step into a role where you can make a genuine impact — shaping the performance, capability and culture of a key department within the site. If you’re looking for a role where you can combine hands-on operational leadership with team development and continuous improvement, this could be a fantastic next step.
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to get in touch for a confidential conversation.
Production Manager employer: Zest Food Jobs
As a leading food manufacturer, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee development and operational excellence. Our culture is built on collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring that every team member is equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive. With a commitment to safety and quality, we offer a rewarding opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the food manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Zest Food Jobs.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Zest Food Jobs!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Zest Food Jobs, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Zest Food Jobs, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Zest Food Jobs, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Zest Food Jobs.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Zest Food Jobs. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Zest Food Jobs. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Food Jobs
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Zest Food Jobs’s mission.
