At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop production teams while driving operational excellence in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Ambitious food manufacturer in West London with exciting growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Visible impact on operations, career progression, and a culture that values your ideas.
- Other info: Join a growing SME where your contributions are recognised and valued.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food manufacturing and make a real difference every day.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in food manufacturing and strong understanding of safety and quality systems.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
I'm partnering with an ambitious and expanding food manufacturer in West London that has reached an exciting point in its journey. As the business continues to grow, they're looking to appoint a hands-on Production Manager who can help shape the next chapter of their manufacturing operation.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop Production Managers and Assistant Managers across multiple shifts.
- Create a culture of accountability, engagement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, appraisals, and 1-2-1s to support development and succession planning.
- Ensure clear communication and alignment between day and night shift operations.
- Driving Operational Excellence
- Take ownership of daily production performance, ensuring targets for output, yield, waste, labour efficiency, and service levels are achieved.
- Maintain a strong factory-floor presence, supporting teams and resolving operational challenges in real time.
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and optimise manufacturing performance.
- Ensure production plans are executed effectively while responding to changing business demands.
- Food Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Champion the highest standards of food safety, quality, and legality across the operation.
- Ensure full compliance with BRC, HACCP, customer requirements, and internal quality systems.
- Work closely with Technical and QA teams to maintain exceptional standards.
- Support audits, investigations, corrective actions, and continuous compliance improvement.
- Health & Safety
- Promote a strong safety culture throughout the production function.
- Ensure policies, procedures, and risk assessments are embedded into everyday operations.
- Lead accident prevention initiatives and take ownership of Health & Safety performance indicators.
- Continuous Improvement
- Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across production.
- Review existing processes and implement best practices to improve efficiency.
- Identify opportunities to improve labour utilisation, process flow, equipment performance, and operational effectiveness.
- Play an active role in supporting the company's growth journey through operational excellence.
What We're Looking For
- Essential Experience
- Proven leadership experience within food manufacturing, ideally in a senior production, shift management, or operational leadership role.
- Strong understanding of BRC, HACCP, food safety, and quality systems.
- Experience leading large teams across multiple shifts.
- A track record of delivering results in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
- Strong communication, leadership, and people management skills.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and production management systems.
- Desirable Experience
- Experience within chilled or high-care food manufacturing.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma knowledge and experience.
- IOSH or NEBOSH qualifications.
- Experience supplying major retailers and working within their audit standards and expectations.
The Person
This role requires someone who is as comfortable rolling up their sleeves on the factory floor as they are reviewing performance data and driving strategic improvements. You'll be a visible and engaging leader who enjoys developing people, solving problems, and making things better every day. Commercially aware, operationally strong, and passionate about food manufacturing, you'll thrive in an environment where your ideas are welcomed and your contribution genuinely matters.
Why This Opportunity?
The real attraction here is the future. This is a growing SME where you'll have the chance to make a visible impact, influence the direction of the operation, and progress your career as the business continues to expand. If you're looking for a role where your contribution will be recognised, your voice will be heard, and your career can develop alongside an ambitious food manufacturing business, I'd love to tell you more.
Production Manager in London employer: Zest Recruitment
Join an ambitious food manufacturer in West London, where your leadership will shape the future of production. With a strong focus on team development, operational excellence, and a commitment to food safety, you'll thrive in a culture that values accountability and continuous improvement. This growing SME offers meaningful career progression opportunities, allowing you to make a tangible impact while being part of a dynamic and supportive work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in London
✨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 Recruitment.
✨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 Recruitment!
✨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 Recruitment, 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 Recruitment, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Zest Recruitment, 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 Recruitment.
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 Recruitment. 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 Recruitment. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Recruitment
✨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 Recruitment’s mission.
