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