About the Role
The Factory Manager holds full accountability for leading and managing the assigned Production Units, ensuring optimal performance in quality, output, and cost efficiency through the effective use of all production resources. This role plays a pivotal part in driving operational excellence and delivering results across all key performance areas. In addition to overseeing daily production operations, the Factory Manager leads the Site Leadership Team, providing strategic direction, fostering cross‑functional alignment, and ensuring that site-wide objectives are achieved. Acting as the central reference point for all activities related to the development, enhancement, and continuous improvement of production processes, the Factory Manager champions a culture of efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement across the site.
Production Management & Execution
- Lead and manage production budgets (labour, energy, maintenance, investments) with relevant functions.
- In conjunction with the Area Engineering Manager ensures effective maintenance and reliability of all production assets.
- Deliver production plans on time, within cost, and to required standards.
- Optimise end‑to‑end production resources to maximise efficiency.
- Ensure full compliance with safety, environmental, food, and regulatory requirements.
- Guarantee product quality through adherence to defined standards.
- Ensure production processes follow approved technical specifications.
Development & Improvement
- Identify and implement improvements to production processes, organisation, and equipment.
- Lead and prioritise improvement initiatives aligned with group strategy.
- Drive development of the plant’s industrial systems through continuous improvement.
- Own the plant master plan for the assigned production area.
People Management
- Define development plans and support the growth of team members.
- Motivate, coach, and enable teams to deliver high performance.
- Ensure effective communication and information cascade across all production teams.
Continuous Improvement
- Collect and implement improvement ideas for processes, organisation, and plant performance.
- Strengthen the plant’s industrial system through structured continuous improvement.
- Prioritise improvement activities in line with FBC UK guidelines.
Quality
- Ensure production meets defined quality standards.
- In conjunction with the QFS function maintains compliance with hygiene, quality, and certification requirements (e.g., ISO, IFS).
- Act as point of accountability for product quality and safety for site-produced goods.
Technological Process
- Ensure all operations follow agreed technical standards.
- Align and update production processes in line with new technologies.
Safety & Environment
- Guarantee compliance with all safety, environmental, and food legislation.
- Oversee implementation of all regulatory requirements.
- Maintain responsibility for health and safety performance to external bodies.
Personnel Management
- Allocate resources to lines in line with operational needs.
- Support medium‑term workforce planning with the Shift Planner.
- Manage daily workforce changes (allocation, breaks, cover, holidays etc.).
- Support conflict resolution and participate in disciplinary processes.
- Lead medium‑ to long‑term resource planning for the production area.
- Support strong communication and alignment through line managers.
Who We Are Looking For
Education & Technical Background
- Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
- Strong knowledge of production processes, industrial operations, and manufacturing best practice.
- Demonstrated understanding of safety, environmental, food, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Experience
- Significant experience in a production, operations, or factory management role in a manufacturing environment.
- Proven track record of leading teams and managing performance in a high‑volume or fast‑paced production setting.
- Experience managing production budgets and optimising cost, quality, and efficiency.
- Hands‑on experience with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma).
- Experience implementing quality standards and maintaining certifications (e.g., ISO, IFS, BRC, HACCP).
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and act as part of a senior site leadership team.
Skills & Capabilities
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience developing and coaching teams.
- Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
- Strong planning, organisational, and prioritisation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple complex activities simultaneously while maintaining focus on operational results.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Competence in using production systems, reporting tools, and standard Microsoft applications.
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