FOOD PRODUCTION MANAGER
About Fosse
Fosse Meadows is an established award winning high welfare free range/ organic chicken and sheep farm, butchery and retail business. We sell wholesale to small independents and retail via 13 London markets & ecommerce. Our guiding principle is to provide slow grown meats with clear provenance and transparent production methods. Offering accessible quality choices for consumers, improving bird welfare & environmental benefits.
The Role
We're looking for a Production Manager to take ownership of our manufacturing operations and systems. This is a leadership role within the business to set & achieve goals, sitting between operational leadership and hands-on production reporting into the company directors.
You will oversee multiple production areas with multiple operations using one team. Responsible for packaging, cutting, abattoir, butchery, inventory management, food safety, while working closely with the directors and the management team to scale up operations. This role suits someone who loves detail, people, processes & systems, audits and quality control, and is comfortable being both on the floor and at a desk. This is a fantastic growth opportunity to work with a growing small dynamic business with D2C & B2B outlets. This role will evolve into a Head of Production role as we scale.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Manufacturing Integrity
* Execution of timely delivery of orders, 100% fulfilled on time.
* Setting fully embedded production planning system across the 4 areas:
* Poultry abattoir, FSA, running 2/3 mornings per week
* Poultry packing and cutting, FSA
* Red meat butchery, EHO
* Kitchen, cooked production, EHO
* This role will be measured on the following:
* Increasing productivity & supporting scalable growth
* Food safety compliance of our HACCP system are validated & audit-ready.
* Setting weekly, monthly, seasonal production plans to manage demands.
* Managing and reducing waste across raw materials and packaging.
* Gross margin targets
* KPI Target Achievement
* Working on the floor, supporting each area of production to keep quality and consistency.
* Working with and expanding on our existing digital software system.
* Have a good understanding of machinery and equipment, in particular thermoformer, vac packers, conveyors and be able to troubleshoot and problem solve appropriately.
* Championing quality & food safety, taking pride in transparency, accountability, and doing things properly are non-negotiables that reflect our values.
People & Culture
* Lead and develop a small, committed production team, act as example and mentor to develop a cohesive team culture. Championing early-career talent and coaching apprentices. Manage rotas, Interviewing and making hiring decisions to ensure continuity of team.
* Create an environment built on trust, respect, and open communication
* Support, train & empower people to learn, grow, and take accountability for work they do
* Look for practical ways to improve efficiency, reliability, and ways of working — without compromising quality
* Encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and continuous improvement on the production floor
* Play a central role in scaling our facility, introducing new equipment, and building systems that will last.
Progress & Future
* Partner closely with the Directors and the management team on production planning and priorities.
* Contribute towards the leadership and positive culture of the business.
* Bring a calm, practical voice to growth decisions, helping turn ambition into sustainable reality.
* Evolve to Head of Production as we scale.
About You
You're an organised and responsible Production Manager who takes ownership of day-to-day operations, systems, and team performance while keeping an eye on the bigger picture. You use software, data, and clear processes to ensure production runs efficiently. Experienced in building a collaborative, accountable team culture where people feel supported and motivated to hit targets, solve problems, and continuously improve. Curious, adaptable, and results-focused, you thrive in a small dynamic business, helping the business strategize and grow thoughtfully without compromising quality or integrity.
Experience & knowledge:
* Min 5 and up to 10 years management experience working in food manufacturing at commercial volume.
* Experience working on production lines using commercial packaging equipment.
* Experience in commercial kitchens and/or retail butchery beneficial.
* HACCP trained, strong understanding of varied food safety systems and audits.
* Confident with inventory management software and production data and Microsoft.
* Must have the right to work in the UK and be able to travel daily to our rural site (car essential).
*
Character:
* Highly organised and detail-focused
* Excellent people's person, who communicates well & lifts those around them
* A growth mindset - looking to learn quickly and get stuck in
* Calm and confident management style
What we are offering:
* A competitive base salary
* 28 days paid holidays
* Pension plan with employer contribution (when eligible)
* Private health care (Aviva)
* Health Shield (health cash plan and wellbeing service)
* 40% discount on Fosse products
How to apply:
* Apply with your CV and a covering letter answering the following questions.
Questions:
* What excites you most about this opportunity at Fosse?
* What role or experience do you believe has best prepared you for this and why?
* What software or digital tools have you used on a day-to-day basis to manage production?
* Which safety or quality audits do you have experience with or have been responsible for?
* What experience do you have in leading and managing a team and creating a culture where standards are maintained and accountability is upheld?
Competitive Salary. £45 000 – £55 000 per year dependent on experience + lucrative bonus on achieving KPIs.
The role will evolve into head of production as we scale.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
* Private medical insurance
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Lutterworth LE17 6JD: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
* Bachelor's (preferred)
Experience:
* Food production: 5 years (required)
* Production planning: 5 years (required)
* HACCP : 5 years (preferred)
* Leadership: 5 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (preferred)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person