Plant Manager in Runcorn

Energy Jobline ZR; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company is seeking a Plant Manager for their facility in Runcorn. The role involves leadership across all plant operations, focusing on safety, quality, and continual improvement. Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in food manufacturing, strong leadership skills, and a degree in a relevant field. Competitive salary and benefits package offered.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Performance bonus

Matched pension scheme up to 10%

Life Assurance

Private Medical Health

Employee benefit platform

Employee Assistance Program

Global Recognition Program

Annual feedback opportunity

Volunteer day

Qualifications

• Several years of progressive management experience in food manufacturing.
• At least 3 years at Senior Leadership/Plant Manager level.
• Experience within the flavour or taste sectors is highly beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team at the liquid flavour facility.
• Formulate plans to deliver operational performance.
• Facilitate compliance with corporate requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Motivation

Problem-solving

Customer-centric mindset

Education

Degree in Operations Management, Business Management, Engineering or related field

MBA

Tools

HACCP

NEBOSH

CI Training (Kaizen, 5S, GMP, SMED, OEE)

Job description

Job Description

Requisition ID 61502. Position Type: FT Permanent. Workplace Arrangement: [not specified].

About the role

We are currently recruiting for a Plant Manager to lead the team at our liquid flavour facility in Runcorn, reporting directly to the European Manufacturing Director. The role involves providing positive leadership and direction in all areas of the plant’s operation to achieve and improve performance in safety, quality, cost, service and sustainability. This is a unique opportunity, as Runcorn will become Kerry’s first fully digitised plant in Europe in November; the successful candidate will play a key role in driving the launch and leveraging technology to maximise ROI. Safety is our top priority, and we expect a strong safety culture from you.

Key responsibilities

• Provide clear direction, leadership and support to departmental managers (Production, Engineering, QHSE, Supply Chain).
• Formulate and establish plans, policies and objectives to deliver site manufacturing plans and the required operational performance around safety, quality, HR, output, inventory and financial performance.
• Facilitate plant compliance with customer, division, corporate and regulatory requirements and policies.
• Identify process improvements to lower production costs and reduce operational variation, improving finished product consistency.
• Ensure Kerry delivers operational excellence through continuous improvement in quality, cost, service and employee leadership and safety.
• Provide clear and consistent communication and leadership around objectives and expectations to all internal teams and external suppliers to meet or exceed customer requirements.
• Provide oversight of projects and capital investment to utilise resources effectively while maintaining output and delivering improvement works within agreed parameters.

Qualifications, skills and experience

• Qualified to degree level in Operations Management, Business Management, Engineering or related field. MBA highly desirable.
• Several years of progressive management experience, within the food manufacturing industry, with at least 3 years at Senior Leadership/Plant Manager level.
• Experience within the flavour or taste sectors is highly beneficial.
• Strong leadership with excellent team building, communication skills and ability to motivate others and drive results.
• Safety first mindset; Health & Safety qualification such as NEBOSH highly desirable.
• Formal CI Training (Kaizen, 5S, GMP, SMED, OEE) desirable.
• HACCP and food safety experience.
• Able to influence and persuade, applying logical thinking and a pragmatic approach.
• Ability to accurately prepare and articulate operational budgets, forecasts and reports.
• Customer‑centric mindset that strives to over‑deliver in all areas.

Why join Kerry?

• Competitive Salary
• Performance bonus
• Matched pension scheme up to 10%
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Health
• Employee benefit platform with discounts and offers for retailers, travel, utilities and more
• Employee Assistance Program supporting emotional, physical, nutritional and financial wellbeing
• Inspiring People – Kerry's Global Recognition Program
• OurVoice, opportunity to share feedback on the work environment annually
• OurShare, Kerry share plan available to all employees with enrollment option once a year
• MyCommunity, one day per year to volunteer for a worthy cause

In Kerry we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring diverse cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences. One team fosters an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. Everyone brings unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. We are committed to a positive and inclusive environment where everyone can be at their best personally and professionally. Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on skills and competencies of each role and entirely on merit. We do not discriminate based on gender, class, economic status, background, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non‑Kerry email address or phone number. Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) for interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. Any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.

If you are interested in applying for this job please press the Apply Button and follow the application process. Energy Jobline wishes you the very best of luck in your next career move.