Manufacturing Manager

Zest Recruitment; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Production or Operations leader to oversee a fast-paced manufacturing operation in Cambridgeshire. The ideal candidate will empower a team, improve processes, and ensure health and safety standards. This role values collaboration and a problem-solving mindset, essential for driving team performance and efficiency. If you're ready to take your career to the next level as a Production, Operations, or Manufacturing Manager, we would love to speak with you.

Qualifications

• Experience in FMCG or fast-paced manufacturing in a leadership role.
• Warm, approachable leadership style with a focus on team development.
• Analytical mindset with a passion for improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and empower a team of Shift Managers and specialists.
• Identify and implement efficiency improvements in production processes.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Continuous improvement

Education

Leadership qualification (e.g., ILM Level 5)

Job description

Are you an inspiring Production or Operations leader ready to take ownership of a fast-paced manufacturing operation? Do you thrive in a hands-on environment where your ideas, leadership and drive genuinely shape the performance of a site?

If you're looking for a role that gives you the autonomy to lead, the support to grow and the opportunity to make a lasting mark, this could be your next step.

What You'll Be Doing

You’ll lead a talented team of Shift Managers and technical specialists, but you’ll also be the one who brings people and processes together. Your mission? Keep everything moving smoothly, safely and at a high standard.

• Growing and empowering your team – coaching, encouraging and developing individuals so they feel confident and capable in their roles.
• Leading with curiosity – spotting opportunities to improve efficiency, flow, quality and waste reduction, and helping your team turn ideas into action.
• Creating strong connections – partnering closely with Planning, Quality, Maintenance and Engineering to keep production steady and communication clear.
• Being proactive on maintenance – working with Engineering to plan preventive work and protect valuable uptime.
• Building better processes – auditing what we do today, shaping what we should do tomorrow, and bringing your team with you through training and new ways of working.
• Championing Health & Safety – leading by example, keeping standards high and ensuring everyone feels looked after.
• Taking ownership of performance – managing budgets, reviewing KPIs and driving improvements with confidence and clarity.

What You Bring

We're looking for a natural collaborator – someone who builds trust easily, communicates well and enjoys being part of a team that wins together. This role will suit someone who likes to be out on the floor, doesn't shy away from a challenge, and genuinely cares about people.

You’ll shine in this role if you have:

• Experience in FMCG or fast-paced manufacturing – ideally a couple of years in a leadership position.
• A warm leadership style – you're approachable, supportive and positive, with a knack for bringing out the best in others.
• A problem-solver’s mindset – analytical, curious and ready to explore new ways of working.
• A self-starting attitude – you plan ahead, stay organised and take pride in doing things well.
• A passion for improvement – whether it's processes, systems or people.
• Great communication skills – the kind that make people feel heard and motivated.
• A leadership qualification (such as ILM Level 5) is a welcome bonus but not essential.

Why This Role Matters

This isn’t just a leadership role – it’s a chance to build something.

To shape a culture.

To make a team stronger.

And to grow your own career in a business that values fresh thinking and encourages progression.

If you're a Production Manager, Operations Manager or Manufacturing Manager ready to take the next step, it'd be great to talk!

For more information, please contact Shaf Islam on [e-mail]

As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website http://www.zestfoodjobs.co.uk/privacy-policy/