Managing Director
An exciting opportunity to lead one of the UK’s most respected and agile own-label chilled food manufacturers. Known for its complex, multi-ingredient product range and commitment to quality, innovation, and customer collaboration, this business is a key partner to the UK’s top grocery retailers.
As Managing Director, you will have multi-functional responsibility for a premium own-label chilled food manufacturer, driving growth, innovation, and excellence across the board. This is a highly visible, customer-facing role for a commercially sharp and operationally hands-on leader, ready to shape the future of a fast-paced, food-first business.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the overall strategic direction and day-to-day performance of the business
* Manage and inspire a cross-functional senior leadership team across operations, commercial, technical, and supply chain
* Build and sustain strong, collaborative relationships with major UK grocery retailers
* Oversee manufacturing operations with a clear focus on efficiency, quality, safety, and innovation
* Drive customer-first thinking and ensure delivery of commercial targets and service excellence
* Lead NPD strategy and innovation pipeline in line with customer and consumer trends
* Maintain a visible, hands-on leadership style – from factory floor to boardroom
* Shape organisational structure, culture, and capability to support future growth
Skills & Experience
* Proven leadership experience in own-label chilled food manufacturing
* Strong multi-functional background across commercial, operations, supply chain, and technical
* Demonstrable success in developing and managing strategic retail customer partnerships
* Track record of leading complex manufacturing environments with pace, clarity, and resilience
* Hands-on, visible leader with the ability to engage teams at all levels and drive cultural alignment
* Commercially astute with a strong grasp of P&L, customer dynamics, and margin delivery
* Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, change-oriented environment with high expectations