Job Description

Factory Manager
South Tyneside
£30,000 - £35,000

Central Employment are partnering with a leading food manufacturing business to recruit a Factory Manager. This role is accountable for end-to-end production, managing all functions from intake to dispatch. The Factory Manager ensures resources are available, monitors performance against KPIs, and maintains product quality standards. The position is both office-based and factory floor-based, requiring strong leadership and operational oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare production activities, ensuring resources (materials, packaging, staff) are available and departments are informed of requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of customer requirements and product quality standards.
• Develop systems to measure and improve process efficiency (e.g., yield, throughput, nitrogen efficiency).
• Hold daily meetings with department heads to identify and resolve potential issues.
• Take appropriate action to ensure customer service levels are met, escalating to senior management where necessary.
• Deputise for Head of Technical during customer and third-party audits.
• Develop tools to monitor performance against internal and customer KPIs and implement improvements.
• Promote a positive culture of food safety and productivity through staff engagement and grievance resolution.

Objectives

• Ensure stock flow aligns with customer and factory processing requirements.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and third parties to support smooth operations.
• Foster positive internal and external relationships to maintain team cohesion.
• Ensure compliance with all internal and external policies, guidelines, and legislation relating to food safety, quality, and legality.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Strong industry knowledge and understanding of food manufacturing processes and technology.
• Proven management experience with high-level interpersonal skills.
• Good analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to changing scenarios and lead by example.
• Strong decision-making and accountability for production functions.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to motivate teams.

Personal Attributes:

• Inquisitive nature and strong work ethic.
• Team player with a collaborative approach.
• Ability to maintain professionalism in all internal and external communications.