Factory Manager

We are looking for an ambitious and driven Factory Manager to join our Crewe site. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader to take ownership of factory operations, drive performance improvements, and play a key role in delivering site strategy.

Reporting to the Site Director, you will be responsible for leading large operational teams, delivering production targets, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, cost and service.

What You'll Be Doing

As Factory Manager, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of factory operations, ensuring production is delivered safely, efficiently and in line with customer expectations.

Key responsibilities include:

- Leading and developing Shift Managers, Supervisors, Line Leaders and wider operational teams.

- Delivering production plans on time, to specification, and at the required cost.

- Managing operational performance through KPIs including OEE, labour efficiency, waste, quality and service.

- Driving a culture of continuous improvement through coaching, training and operational excellence initiatives.

- Implementing new systems, processes and ways of working to improve efficiency and performance.

- Working closely with NPD to successfully launch new products and support business growth.

- Managing departmental budgets and delivering strong financial performance.

- Ensuring operational compliance with BRC, food safety, quality and health & safety standards.

- Supporting capital investment projects and identifying opportunities to improve equipment and manufacturing capability.

- Building a high-performing culture focused on accountability, engagement and development.

We're seeking a strong operational leader who can inspire teams, improve performance and deliver results in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

You'll ideally have:

- Proven experience leading large manufacturing or production teams.

- A strong track record of delivering continuous improvement and operational excellence.

- Experience working within a KPI-driven environment with accountability for performance.

- Sound knowledge of food safety, quality and BRC standards.

- Strong understanding of manufacturing costs, labour management and operational budgets.

- Experience managing change and implementing new ways of working.

- Excellent leadership, coaching and people development skills.

- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational data and drive improvements.

- Good understanding of Health & Safety legislation and risk management.

- Previous food manufacturing experience, ideally within chilled food, bakery, ready meals or FMCG environments.

is one of the UK's leading chilled food manufacturers, producing high-quality products for some of the nation's best-known retailers.

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing, and career growth:

Financial & Lifestyle Benefits

- Salary Sacrifice Schemes - including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension

- 33 days' annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra

- Holiday Discounts Available via our online retail discount platform

- Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store

- Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand

- EV charging points - available at selected sites

Health & Wellbeing

- 24/7 access to GroceryAid for free financial, emotional, and practical support

- Physical Wellbeing Hub - free on-demand exercise programmes, online classes and multiple gym discounts

- Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of meal plans and healthy recipes

- Online wellbeing support - from mindfulness to lifestyle resources

- Financial wellbeing tools - including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid

Career Growth & Development

- Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)

- Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role

- Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations

- Industry leading company Mentoring Scheme to add depth and really support your career journey

- Recognition through Club Compleat rewards portal

Community & Culture

- 2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you

- Charity initiatives and fundraising events

- Team socials to connect and celebrate together

- Employee networks & support groups - including Women @ Compleat

- New baby gift for new parents

What You Should Know About How We Recruit

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe great teams are built on difference. We create an inclusive, respectful environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and are able to be themselves at work. We're proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect. If you need a reasonable adjustment at any stage of our recruitment process, just let us know, we'll support you - confidentially and with care. We hire the best people for our roles, not the same people. Whoever you are, wherever you're from, we focus on what you do and the impact you could make in our business. Our recruitment process is fair, accessible, and designed to give everyone an equal chance. You'll also find benefits that support people at every life stage, plus active internal networks - including Women @ Compleat, LGBTQIA+, and Neurodiversity

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