Food Production Area Manager

We're looking for a Food Production Area Manager to join our Middlesbrough team. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of the Low Risk Production area, leading your team to deliver exceptional standards in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People and Sustainability while driving continuous improvement every day. If you're a natural leader who enjoys solving problems, coaching others and making a real difference on the factory floor, we'd love to hear from you!, As an Area Manager, you'll lead from the front, ensuring your production area delivers against plan while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality and operational excellence.

• Deliver production plans On Time In Full (OTIF) while maximising efficiency.
• Monitor key KPIs including OEE, waste, downtime, yield and labour performance.
• Lead effective line start-ups, changeovers and shutdowns.
• Resolve production challenges quickly, working closely with Engineering, Planning, Technical and Supply Chain teams.
• Support new product launches and process improvements.
• Lead, coach and inspire Line Leaders and Production teams.
• Set clear expectations and create a culture of accountability.
• Conduct performance reviews, absence management and return-to-work meetings.
• Be the safety leader for your area and promote a zero-harm culture.
• Ensure full compliance with HACCP, GMP, allergen management and food safety systems.
• Ensure materials are correctly controlled, stored and used.
• Drive FIFO compliance, traceability and stock accuracy.
• Champion a culture of "Right First Time" and "See it, Own it, Fix it.", 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
The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace. We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunity's employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed. Contact us with any questions about Diversity & Inclusion or accessibility during the application process. Recruitment Agencies: We have a small, active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions. We only accept CV submissions for roles released to you directly by our Talent Acquisition team.


• Experience in a food manufacturing or FMCG environment
• Proven experience leading and developing production teams
• Strong understanding of food safety, quality and manufacturing processes
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Comfortable using KPIs and production data to drive decisions
• HACCP Level 2
Knowledge of BRCGS and retailer audit standards

At The Compleat Food Group, we're proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we're on a mission to create Food to Feel Good - great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat. We're home to some of the UK's most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall's Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, we're a leading supplier of delicious own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant-based food to the UK's major retailers, as well as across foodservice. With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 18 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we're united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better.

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
• 28 days' annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
• Holiday Discounts via our online retail 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 classes, gym discounts
• Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes
• Online wellbeing support - from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
• Financial wellbeing tools - including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid