Manufacturing Director - Ambient Cake

Premier Foods; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food company in Barnsley is seeking a dynamic Manufacturing Director for its Ambient Cake division. This pivotal role involves overseeing a cluster of manufacturing sites and leading strategic initiatives to drive growth. The ideal candidate will have senior leadership experience in manufacturing with a successful track record in managing multi-functional teams and large-scale projects. A competitive salary package and benefits are offered in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Highly competitive, senior level package

On-target bonus

Sharesave scheme

Employee discount programme

Access to wellbeing and development programmes

Qualifications

• Senior operational leadership experience in manufacturing or FMCG.
• Proven success in leading multi-functional/multi-site teams and delivering strategic objectives.
• Experience leading large-scale capex projects and driving cultural change.
• Strong project management and continuous improvement expertise.
• Experience with trade unions and complex stakeholder environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead top-line growth and profitability across the cluster.
• Shape and implement the operational strategy in partnership with commercial and marketing teams.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to embed group strategies.
• Own cluster-wide and Carlton-specific P&L performance.
• Champion root cause analysis and continuous improvement.
• Manage the Sweet Treats capex budget.
• Ensure a safe, high-performing, and engaging workplace at Carlton.

Job description

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Manufacturing Director - Ambient Cake

Date: 20 Aug 2025

Location: Barnsley, GB

Manufacturing Director (Ambient Cake)

Location: Carlton, Barnsley, S71 3HF

Where Passion Meets Purpose

At Premier Foods, we’re proud to be one of Britain’s biggest listed food companies, with over 4,000 colleagues across 13 sites. Our brands are found in 94% of British households, and our Sweet Treats division is home to some of the UK’s best-loved products including Mr Kipling and Cadbury cakes.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Supply Chain Officer, the Manufacturing Director (Sweet Treats) is a pivotal senior leadership role with dual responsibility:

• Cluster Leadership: You’ll lead the strategic direction of the Sweet Treats (Cake) manufacturing cluster, comprising three factories—Carlton (home base), Moreton, and Stoke-on-Trent—with a combined headcount of approximately 2,000.
• Factory General Manager: You’ll also take direct ownership of the Carlton site, one of the largest purpose-built bakeries in the world, with up to 1,100 colleagues on site (peak) and 11 production lines of 350 SKUs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead top-line growth and profitability across the cluster
• Shape and implement the operational strategy in partnership with commercial and marketing teams
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to embed group strategies in HR, Technical, and other functions
• Own cluster-wide and Carlton-specific P&L performance
• Champion root cause analysis and continuous improvement
• Align commercial demand planning with factory output and cost base
• Actively contribute to strategic direction as an ELT-1 member
• Manage the Sweet Treats capex budget, balancing infrastructure and cost-out investments
• Role model Premier Foods’ leadership behaviours and values
• Foster inclusion and diversity across all sites

Additionally, as Factory General Manager – Carlton:

• Ensure a safe, high-performing, and engaging workplace
• Lead food safety, GMP, and quality standards
• Reduce waste and customer complaints through effective maintenance and CI
• Own the HACCP programme and site talent strategy
• Deliver a 5-year strategic vision and capital investment programme
• Align functional structures and KPIs to business goals
• Lead site communications and decision-making across safety, quality, spend, and recruitment

What We’re Looking For

With a commitment of over £20m in capex this year alone, and we’re looking for a dynamic multi-site leader to drive transformational change and deliver results at pace, whilst demonstrating:

• Senior operational leadership experience in manufacturing or FMCG
• Proven success in leading multi-functional/multi-site teams and delivering strategic objectives
• Experience leading large-scale capex projects and driving cultural change
• Strong project management and continuous improvement expertise
• Experience with trade unions and complex stakeholder environments

What We Offer You

• Highly competitive, senior level package
• On-target bonus
• Sharesave scheme and employee discount programme
• Access to wellbeing and development programmes
• A warm, inclusive, and people-first culture where individuality is celebrated

We’re not just building careers—we’re building a community where everyone can thrive. We believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where every colleague can bring their true self to work. Apply now to join our journey.