Overview
SDUK's brands include the Nations favourite cheese brand Cathedral City plus other well-known butter & spreads (Clover, Country Life, Vitalite, Utterly Butterly), functional ingredients and dairy free products. After significant investment and growth of operations, we are seeking a production manager to lead one of our most critical production areas at our Nuneaton site, driving operational excellence while fostering a high-performing team culture. You’ll be instrumental in stabilising a team as we drive towards BAU by developing and empowering a large, diverse workforce ensuring clear communication at all levels of the business, driving accountability and identifying and driving continuous improvement across all shifts to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality products.
We support employment equity and invite candidates from all horizons to join our team. To enable you to bring your best we will ensure you are provided with any physical or non-physical adjustments to support your participation in the job application and interview process.
Responsibilities
* Overseeing the full operation of Nuneaton Prepack 2, ensuring efficient conversion of bulk cheese into finished products across 13 production lines
* Leading a direct team of five shift leads and an indirect workforce of 220 colleagues, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture
* Driving KPIs and SQDCM metrics aligned with budget and strategic goals, ensuring consistent operational excellence
* Championing a strong safety-first mindset, with a focus on food safety, colleague wellbeing, and continuous improvement
* Leading key projects including labour optimisation, yield improvement, automation, and new product development (NPD)
* Acting as deputy to senior manager, operations, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver business-wide improvements
Requirements / Qualifications
* Experienced in food manufacturing or FMCG production, with a strong understanding of operational excellence and fostering a culture for high performance
* Able to demonstrate working experience with UK food safety standards and leading on external audits
* A strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and decision-making
* A proven leader who inspires teams, develops talent, and drives performance
* Comfortable and experienced managing large teams and complex production environments
* Passionate about delivering results and continuous improvement
Benefits
* Private health care
* Bonus scheme paid quarterly
* Autonomous and inclusive working environment
* Opportunities for progression within the UK and overseas
* Enhanced employer pension contributions with Scottish Widows
* Health cash plan - claim money back towards essential healthcare such as dental, eye care etc.
* Access to Thrive 24-hours a day - a leading and NHS clinically approved app which focuses on general wellbeing
* Long service recognised every 5 years
* Life assurance up to 4 x contractual pay
* Discounted branded products
* Free, onsite parking
* Subsidised staff restaurant
* 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
* One paid workday a year to volunteer for a local community or charitable institution of your choice
* Opportunity to swap traditional UK holidays for dates significant to your cultural and religious beliefs
* My Staff Shop - access to exclusive benefits, free advice and savings -providing great discounts from thousands of the UKs largest retailers & service providers.
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