Factory Manager

The Sterling Choice; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sterling Choice is seeking a Factory Manager to lead the production floor in the Cambridge area, directing shift managers and driving performance. You will spend most of your time on the production floor, understanding what holds the operation back, and turning improvements into tangible results.

You will oversee a team, implement upcoming automation projects, and provide clear direction, feedback, and accountability to ensure consistency, engagement, and safe, efficient operation on site in

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in food manufacturing.
• Evidence of improving performance on the shop floor.
• Judgement to know when to provide support or take firmer action.

Responsibilities

• Lead the shift managers and spend most of your time on the production floor.
• Improve line performance, complete actions, and make expectations clear.
• Conduct one-to-ones, give useful feedback, and develop managers for more ownership.
• Turn improvement plans into everyday results while managing automation projects over the next five years.
• Hold people to account while keeping the team engaged and motivated.

Job description

Factory Manager
Cambridge Area | £65,000 - £70,000
Food Manufacturing

You know how to get a factory moving. And how to bring people with you.

This business has invested in its operation, has more automation projects planned and has an experienced team. Now it needs a Factory Manager who can turn that potential into better performance.

Someone who's visible on the floor, follows through and sets clear expectations. Who can have a difficult conversation without losing someone's respect, and enjoys a laugh with the team along the way.

You’ll lead the shift managers, spend most of your time out in production and get close enough to understand what's holding the operation back. Then do something about it.

That means improving line performance, getting actions completed and making expectations clear. It also means proper one-to-ones, useful feedback and developing your managers so they can take more ownership themselves.

There’s a good work ethic here. Some longstanding habits need challenging, and consistency needs improving. You’ll need to tackle issues fairly, hold people accountable and keep the team with you.

The people you’ll report to are a big part of the appeal.

The GM and Group Operations Director are down to earth, approachable and have a sense of humour. They care about how people are treated and believe leadership belongs out in the factory, close to the people doing the work.

They understand the practical realities of manufacturing and want someone who can turn improvement plans into everyday results. You’ll have investment planned over the next five years, with a series of automation projects to support that progress.

You’ll bring experience leading teams in food manufacturing, evidence of improving performance and the judgement to know when someone needs support, clearer direction or a firmer conversation.

You might already be a Factory Manager, or a Manufacturing or Opertions Manager ready to take on more responsibility. Your title matters less than what you’ve delivered and how you’ve brought people with you.