Factory Manager

Central Employment; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Employment is seeking a Factory Manager for a rapidly growing food manufacturing business in the UK. You will lead Production, Logistics, Procurement and Warehousing, driving cost-efficient, safe operations and continuous improvement.

This role offers autonomy, progression and the chance to shape site performance across the end-to-end operation in a quality-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Factory Manager or similar within Food Manufacturing or FMCG.
• Experience managing Production, Logistics, Warehousing and Procurement.
• Strong leadership with ability to develop and motivate teams.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, quality systems and manufacturing best practices.
• Commercial awareness with experience managing costs and budgets.
• Knowledge of SALSA, BRCGS and HACCP standards.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Experience in meat, fish, chilled, fresh or specialist food environments.
• Food Safety or Health & Safety qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day manufacturing activities to ensure production targets, quality standards and delivery deadlines are achieved.
• Drive operational efficiencies through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor and improve KPIs including productivity, waste, labour utilisation and yield.
• Ensure GMP, food safety and quality standards are consistently maintained.
• Oversee warehousing operations, stock management and inventory accuracy.
• Manage goods-in, storage and distribution activities to ensure efficient product flow.
• Ensure customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time.
• Develop processes to improve warehouse efficiency and stock control.
• Manage procurement activities, supplier relationships and stock purchasing.
• Ensure raw materials and packaging are sourced effectively to meet production requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance, costs and service levels.
• Support cost reduction initiatives whilst maintaining product quality standards.
• Lead, motivate and develop production, warehouse and logistics teams.
• Promote a strong Health & Safety culture across the site.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality and regulatory standards.
• Support recruitment, training and succession planning activities.
• Work closely with senior management to support ongoing business growth and operational development.

Skills

Leadership

Continuous Improvement

Operational Excellence

Cost Management

Safety & Quality

Tools

SALSA

BRCGS

HACCP

Job description

A rapidly growing and ambitious food manufacturing business is seeking a Factory Manager to take a key leadership role within its operation. Producing premium food products for wholesale and retail customers, the company is committed to delivering exceptional quality, food safety, and customer service standards. The site operates within a quality-focused manufacturing environment and continues to invest in its people, processes and future growth plans. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing professional to join a business where there is genuine scope for progression and the opportunity to play a significant role in the company's continued expansion.

The Role

Reporting into the senior leadership team, the Factory Manager will be responsible for the overall management and performance of the manufacturing operation, overseeing Production, Logistics, Procurement and Warehousing functions. The successful candidate will lead operational teams to ensure customer demand is met efficiently, safely and cost-effectively whilst driving continuous improvement across the site.

Key Responsibilities

Production

• Lead all day-to-day manufacturing activities to ensure production targets, quality standards and delivery deadlines are achieved.
• Drive operational efficiencies through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators including productivity, waste, labour utilisation and yield.
• Ensure GMP, food safety and quality standards are consistently maintained.

Logistics & Warehousing

• Oversee warehousing operations, stock management and inventory accuracy.
• Manage goods-in, storage and distribution activities to ensure efficient product flow.
• Ensure customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time.
• Develop processes to improve warehouse efficiency and stock control.

Procurement

• Manage procurement activities, supplier relationships and stock purchasing.
• Ensure raw materials and packaging are sourced effectively to meet production requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance, costs and service levels.
• Support cost reduction initiatives whilst maintaining product quality standards.

Leadership & Compliance

• Lead, motivate and develop production, warehouse and logistics teams.
• Promote a strong Health & Safety culture across the site.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality and regulatory standards.
• Support recruitment, training and succession planning activities.
• Work closely with senior management to support ongoing business growth and operational development.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience as a Factory Manager, Production Manager, Operations Manager or Manufacturing Manager within Food Manufacturing or FMCG.
• Experience managing multiple operational functions including Production, Logistics, Warehousing and Procurement.
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to develop and motivate teams.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, quality systems and manufacturing best practices.
• Commercial awareness with experience managing operational costs and budgets.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced production environment.
• Knowledge of SALSA, BRCGS and HACCP standards.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Experience within meat, fish, chilled, fresh food or specialist food manufacturing environments.
• Food Safety or Health & Safety qualifications.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to join a rapidly growing and ambitious food manufacturing business.
• Significant autonomy and responsibility across Production, Logistics, Procurement and Warehousing.
• Clear opportunities for career progression and professional development as the business continues to grow.
• A chance to make a genuine impact on operational performance and future business success.