FACTORY MANAGER

David Wood Foods Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company based in Sheerness is seeking a Factory Manager to oversee the 24/7 operations of their fully automated plant. The ideal candidate will have proven management experience, strong leadership and team-building skills, and knowledge of manufacturing processes, preferably in food and drink. This role includes planning operations to meet production goals, ensuring quality, and developing a high-performing team culture. Flexibility in working hours is required.

Qualifications

• Proven work experience in a suitable management role.
• Knowledgeable of manufacturing, preferably Food and Drink.
• Strong team building and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all 24/7 operations of the plant.
• Plan and organise day-to-day operations.
• Ensure production output and quality.

Skills

Leadership

Team building

Decision-making

Problem-solving

Computer literacy

Job description

FACTORY MANAGER

Sheerness, Kent, ME12 1LP

Work Hours

Full-Time 48hrs per week
Shift Patterns will be discussed at Interview Stage but will need to be fully flexible
Rate of pay: Negotiable dependant on experience

About us:

David Wood Baking is one of the leading food manufacturing companies in the UK, with over 20 years’ experience in the bakery business. Our site based in Sheerness - Kent, is one of seven cutting-edge bakeries, currently producing a range of quality frozen 'bake off' and craft bakery products.

Yet we’re not a company to sit back and relax. Product development is our heartbeat and we work closely with our customers to develop products that combine specific requirements and imaginative flair. Working with key partners we have already developed a number of new exciting and award‑winning products that continue to attract and delight consumers.

We currently have a fantastic opportunity available for a Factory Manager to join our ever growing company. Your aim “To drive continuous improvement and optimisation of all processes.” Based in Rogerstone, Newport, you will be responsible for all aspects of this 24/7 fully automated bread plant.

Job Duties

As Factory Manager you will oversee all 24/7 operations of the plant from production and manufacturing to ensuring policies and procedures are followed, developing processes that will maximise stewardship, safety, quality and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organise, direct and run optimum day‑to‑day operations to exceed our customers’ expectations
• Increase production, assets capacity and flexibility while minimising unnecessary costs and maintaining current quality standards
• Provide leadership to the onsite management team to ensure that we are all pulling in the same direction, Engineering, Technical, Hygiene, Production, H&S, Training, HR, Warehousing/planning.
• Be responsible for production output, product quality and on‑time shipping
• Allocate resources effectively and fully utilise assets to produce optimal results
• Monitor operations and trigger corrective actions
• Share a trusting relationship with workgroup and recruit, manage and develop plant staff
• Collect and analyse data to find places of waste or overtime
• Commit to plant safety procedures
• Stay up to date with latest production management best practices and concepts
• Reporting to and working with the groups operations manager to develop factory standards, output and team engagement
• Have a detailed understanding of the performance of each piece of plant and equipment onsite and be able to work positively with the engineering team and direct them toward key priorities.
• We need a ‘people first’ person who can ensure we are developing leaders from within, developing a can‑do culture from all team members. Demonstrates an inclusive attitude to all and is a team player first and foremost.
• Ensure systems are in place to measure material variance, waste and labour recovery etc and works with the team to develop plans to improve in each area.
• Reporting to and working with the group’s operations manager to develop factory standards, H&S, output and team engagement.

Requirements

• Based within a 1‑hour commute of the site (relocation assistance may be provided).
• Proven work experience in a suitable management role, we need an ambitious person who is ready for the next step in their career. Full senior support will be given to the successful candidate.
• Be knowledgeable of manufacturing preferably Food and Drink, capable of operating under pressure.
• Adequate knowledge of business and management principles (budgeting, strategic planning, resource allocation and human resources)
• Familiarity with industry standard equipment and technical expertise
• Be knowledgeable of safety, quality, productivity, demand creation, inventory and stewardship processes
• Computer literacy
• Ability to create accountability and to lead by example
• Strong team building, decision‑making and people management skills