Factory Manager
We're recruiting for an experienced manufacturing leader to take full responsibility for a scaling food manufacturing site in London. This role carries end-to-end accountability for operational performance, site culture, compliance, and commercial delivery.
You will lead from the front — building a high-performing team, ensuring rigorous safety and food standards, and driving operational improvements as the business scales. This is a visible, hands-on leadership role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced food production environment.
What You'll Own
End-to-End Site Performance
Full accountability for production output, service levels, and operational efficiency
Delivery against daily and weekly production plans
Oversight of Production, Site, and Stock leadership teams
Clear KPI management across yield, waste, labour utilisation, and downtime
Strong coordination across planning, warehouse, and manufacturing functions
Safety, Compliance & Accreditation
Leadership of all Health & Safety practices in line with UK legislation
Embedding a proactive, safety-first culture across all departments
Maintaining food manufacturing compliance standards (transitioning from SALSA to BRC accreditation)
Management of internal audits and external regulatory/customer inspections
Ensuring risk assessments, SOPs, and training frameworks remain robust and current
Food Integrity & Quality Standards
Accountability for food safety and product integrity across the entire site
Close partnership with Technical and QA to protect traceability and compliance
Driving a "right first time" production mindset
Oversight of raw material controls, allergen management, and stock rotation processes
Leadership & Team Development
Visible leadership presence on site, five days per week
Coaching and development of direct reports to strengthen management capability
Clear structures for accountability across shifts and departments
Workforce planning, recruitment support, and succession development
Building a culture of ownership, engagement, and continuous improvement
Commercial & Operational Efficiency
Management of site budgets and operational cost control
Identification of efficiency gains without compromising safety or quality
Improvement of productivity, stock accuracy, and labour performance
Contribution to long-term capacity planning and strategic operations discussions
Continuous Improvement & Process Excellence
Leading lean initiatives and structured improvement programmes
Reducing waste, downtime, and operational bottlenecks
Implementing practical problem-solving methodologies
Promoting innovation and best practice within a food manufacturing setting
Reporting & Risk Management
Regular operational reporting to the Operations Director
Early escalation of risks relating to compliance, safety, or performance
Contribution to board-level updates on production, H&S, and quality metrics
About You
You are an experienced manufacturing leader with a strong operational backbone and the ability to inspire teams in a growing SME environment.
You will bring:
A proven track record in senior manufacturing leadership
Experience within food production (chilled, fresh, or high-care environments preferred)
Strong working knowledge of UK Health & Safety and food safety standards
Demonstrable success managing cross-functional leadership teams
Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and cost controls
A hands-on, decisive leadership approach
Strategic thinking balanced with attention to operational detail
Resilience, pragmatism, and a solutions-oriented mindset
Strong communication and organisational capability