Processing Sections Manager

Hawk 3 Talent Solutions; Middleton on the Wolds; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Sections Manager to oversee operations at a food processing facility in Driffield. The successful candidate will lead a team of 30, manage production standards, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Applicants should have substantial experience in the food industry, strong leadership skills, and certification in Food Hygiene standards. This is a crucial role that demands strategic problem-solving and a commitment to excellence in animal welfare and production standards.

Qualifications

• Proven background in the food industry with extensive understanding of primary processing.
• Significant experience managing large teams in fast-paced food processing environments.
• Proficient in data analysis and report writing.

Responsibilities

• Plan and allocate resources to meet quality targets.
• Ensure compliance with food safety protocols and regulations.
• Lead and develop a team, handling performance management.
• Drive process improvements using Lean methodologies.
• Coordinate with other departments to enhance factory performance.

Skills

Food Industry Experience

Leadership

Compliance Knowledge

Technical Skills

Problem Solving

Confident & Driven

Resilient

Emotionally Intelligent

Education

Certification in Food Hygiene standards

Formal Management qualification

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Job Title: Processing Sections Manager

Location: Driffield

Salary: Circa £35,000, Negotiable depending on experience

Hours of Work: 6.20am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a high‑calibre Sections Manager to lead our daily operations across Lairage, Slaughter, Evisceration, and Chick Sort, managing a team of 30 staff, maintaining production standards, ensuring animal welfare and WATOK licensing compliance. This is a critical leadership role dedicated to maintaining world‑class production standards, uncompromising animal welfare, and operational excellence. The successful candidate will be a proactive problem‑solver with experience managing a large team in a busy food processing operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Plan and allocate resources (staffing, budgets, materials) to meet daily throughput and quality targets.
• Compliance & Welfare: Ensure 100% compliance with WATOK regulations, food safety protocols, and Health & Safety legislation. Oversee internal and external audits.
• Team Management: Lead, motivate, and develop a team of Team Leaders and operatives. Responsible for performance management, appraisals, and succession planning.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive process enhancements using Lean methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys) to reduce costs and improve yield.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Coordinate with Engineering, Technical, Sales, and Planning departments to streamline factory performance.

What We Are Looking For

Essential Criteria

• Food Industry Experience: Proven background in the food industry with a deep understanding of primary processing.
• Leadership: Significant experience managing large teams within a fast‑paced food processing environment.
• Compliance Knowledge: Certification in Food Hygiene standards.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in data analysis (Excel/Word) with the ability to write reports and manage budgets.
• Problem Solving: A strategic thinker who is "hands‑on" when addressing mechanical or operational discrepancies.

Desirable Criteria

• Formal Management qualification.
• Specific experience in the poultry or meat processing industry.

Personal Attributes

• Confident & Driven: Ability to challenge the status quo and drive high performance.
• Resilient: Comfortable multi‑tasking in a high‑pressure environment.
• Emotionally Intelligent: Capable of managing conflict and fostering a positive, inclusive workplace culture.

How to Apply

If you are a proactive leader with a passion for operational excellence and animal welfare, we want to hear from you.

Closing date: N/A (this may be brought forward depending on successful applications)

Hawk 3 Talent Solutions are operating as an employment agency on behalf of its client. To apply, please follow the application process for the site this job is advertised on or email your CV to the provided address. By applying for the above position and providing your personal data to us you understand that your data will be processed in line with our Privacy Policy. To view our full Privacy Policy please visit our website. Hawk 3 Talent Solutions are committed to the selection, recruitment, and development of the best people, basing judgments solely on suitability for the job. Whilst we endeavour to respond to all applications individually, due to high volumes, this is not always possible. Thank you for your interest in this role and we look forward to working with you in the future.