Manufacturing Manager

2 Sisters Food Group; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in the UK is seeking a driven Manufacturing Manager for their Carlisle site. This role involves overseeing the operations of key production lines and managing a workforce of around 200 people. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, ensuring efficiency and quality while leading initiatives for site transformation. Benefits include up to 35 days of annual leave and a company pension scheme.

Benefits

Up to 35 days Annual Leave including Bank Holidays

Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme

Company Pension Scheme

Boparan Restaurant Group Discount

Cycle2Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and engage teams.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Practical, hands-on approach with confidence on the shop floor.

Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting Production Managers across both days and nights.
• Driving performance against KPIs.
• Managing production challenges such as breakdowns and staffing gaps.
• Spending time on the factory floor to understand start-up processes.
• Supporting site-wide transformation initiatives.

Skills

Leadership skills

Data analysis

Hands-on approach

Proactive mindset

Experience in high-volume manufacturing

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a driven and hands-on Manufacturing Manager to join our Carlisle site during an exciting period of transformation. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced production environment and wants to make a real impact on performance, people, and processes. You will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations across 7 key production lines, managing a workforce of approximately 200 people. Each 24-hour cycle produces up to 200,000 units, and you will play a critical role in keeping the operation running smoothly and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting Production Managers across both days and nights, ensuring effective handovers.
• Driving performance against KPIs, including materials usage, labour variances, and overall efficiency.
• Actively managing production challenges such as breakdowns, staffing gaps, and rolling shortages.
• Spending time on the factory floor, understanding start-up processes, and embedding hygiene and quality standards.
• Supporting site-wide transformation initiatives, working with engineering, hygiene, technical, and planning teams.
• Analysing data, chairing meetings, and turning insights into actions that improve performance.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and engage teams.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.
• A practical, hands-on approach with the confidence to be visible on the shop floor.
• The ability to balance data analysis with day-to-day operational management.
• Drive, resilience, and a proactive mindset - someone who sees challenges as opportunities.

About the Company and Role

When you join 2 Sisters, you're joining one of the UK's biggest food manufacturers - a £3 billion business with 13,500 colleagues who are passionate about feeding the nation. At our Cavaghan & Gray site in Carlisle, we're proud to create delicious, high-quality M&S products enjoyed by millions of customers every week. With over 150 product lines and 115 million units produced each year, the impact of our work is felt far and wide. We emphasise promoting from within, ensuring you can build a rewarding career with us.

Benefits

• Up to 35 days Annual Leave including Bank Holidays
• Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme and Grocery Aid, offering confidential support services 365 days a year
• Company Pension Scheme
• Boparan Restaurant Group Discount
• Cycle2Work Scheme