Taylor Higson

Please note we're unable to provide relocation assistance or VISA sponsorship. This is a fully site based role and candidates will need to be located within a reasonable distance of Uckfield, East Sussex. We're working with a highly successful, employee-owned food manufacturing and packaging business that is looking to appoint an exceptional Factory Manager following an internal restructure driven by continued growth. This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader who is as passionate about developing people as they are about delivering operational excellence. Our client isn't simply looking for someone to keep the factory running. They want someone who can inspire their management team, recognise potential, nurture future leaders and play an instrumental role in the continued success of the business. With a strong culture, continued investment and ambitious plans for the future, this is an opportunity to join a business where your contribution will genuinely make a difference. The Opportunity Taking overall responsibility for factory operations, you'll lead three departmental managers across Production, Operations and Engineering, overseeing a workforce that fluctuates in line with seasonal demand. People development is absolutely central to this position. You'll inherit a management team with enormous potential, and a key part of your role will be to coach, mentor and develop these individuals, helping them grow into confident, capable leaders. Importantly, this isn't a business expecting someone to arrive on day one and change everything. You'll be encouraged to spend your initial months understanding the operation, building relationships and immersing yourself in the culture before identifying opportunities to introduce meaningful, sustainable improvements. It's a considered, long-term approach to leadership, and one that reflects the company's genuine commitment to its people. The Role Leading, supporting and developing the Production, Operations and Engineering management teams. Identifying individual strengths, nurturing talent and supporting succession planning across the business. Taking ownership of factory performance, ensuring operational excellence across productivity, quality, efficiency and customer service. Overseeing production planning, labour requirements, capacity and resource allocation. Driving continuous improvement initiatives to optimise processes, reduce waste and improve manufacturing performance. Maintaining exceptional standards of health, safety, quality and regulatory compliance. Working collaboratively with departmental managers to maximise equipment reliability and operational efficiency. Managing operational budgets, monitoring KPIs and identifying opportunities to improve commercial performance. Building a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture where people feel supported, valued and motivated. The Person Above all, we're looking for a genuine leader of people. Someone who understands that successful manufacturing operations are built around strong teams, effective communication and managers who feel empowered to succeed. You'll ideally bring: Proven senior management experience within food manufacturing, packaging, contract packing or another highly regulated manufacturing environment. Strong working knowledge of BRCGS, ISO or equivalent quality management and compliance standards (highly desirable) Demonstrable experience managing and developing other managers, rather than solely supervising production teams. A track record of coaching, mentoring and identifying future leadership potential. Strong operational knowledge across production, engineering, resource planning and manufacturing efficiency. Experience delivering measurable improvements in productivity, cost control and operational performance. Commercial awareness, with the ability to manage budgets, analyse KPIs and make informed decisions. A collaborative, approachable leadership style with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Experience within food manufacturing or co-packing would be advantageous, but we're equally interested in speaking with talented manufacturing leaders from other highly compliant environments. We're particularly keen to hear from individuals who can balance operational expertise with emotional intelligence, who know when to challenge, when to listen and how to bring people along with them. The Package Alongside a competitive salary of £50,000 £60,000 depending on experience, you'll benefit from: 24 days' annual leave plus bank holidays. The opportunity to purchase additional annual leave. An excellent pension scheme, with employer contributions increasing over time. Life assurance and health benefits. Employee ownership through an Employee Ownership Trust. Charity volunteering days. Ongoing professional development and progression opportunities. Continued investment in people, technology, equipment and facilities. Why This Opportunity Stands Out There are plenty of Factory Manager positions out there. Very few offer this level of emphasis on people, culture and long-term development. This is a growing business with an established operation, a supportive leadership team and a genuine desire to invest in its future. You'll have the opportunity to develop the next generation of managers, influence how the factory evolves and leave a lasting positive impact on both the people and the operation. If you're an experienced manufacturing leader who gets real satisfaction from seeing people develop, teams succeed and businesses improve, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today or get in touch with Laura at Taylor Higson for a confidential discussion.

Ink Technician Flexible Packaging Location: Leeds Salary: £14.81 to £17.41 per hour, depending on experience Shifts: 4 on, 4 off Continental Shifts (2 Days, 2 Nights, 4 Off) Job Type: Permanent, Full Time We're recruiting for an experienced Ink Technician to join a well-established flexible packaging manufacturer in Leeds. This is a great opportunity for someone with experience in ink mixing, colour matching or ink management within a printing environment, particularly flexographic printing. You'll be joining a busy production environment, helping ensure accurate colour consistency, efficient ink preparation and the smooth running of printing presses. Working Hours & Shifts You'll work a 12-hour continental shift pattern consisting of: 2 day shifts 2 night shifts 4 days off This is a rotating shift pattern that includes weekends. Key Responsibilities Preparing and mixing inks to achieve accurate colour specifications using GSE dispensing systems and X-Rite colour management equipment. Colour matching and ensuring consistency throughout print production. Troubleshooting ink-related issues on printing presses. Managing returned inks and reusing them where appropriate. Supplying inks to presses and collecting returns. Maintaining ink dispensing equipment and keeping the ink store organised. Receiving and safely storing ink deliveries. Working closely with printers and production teams to maintain quality standards and minimise downtime. Following health and safety procedures when handling inks and materials. What We're Looking For Previous experience as an Ink Technician, Ink Mixer or in a similar print production role. Experience within flexographic printing or flexible packaging would be particularly beneficial. Knowledge of ink dispensing systems such as GSE or equivalent. Experience using X-Rite colour management equipment would be advantageous. Good understanding of colour matching and ink-related print issues. Strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently. Comfortable working 12-hour continental shifts. A practical, hands-on approach and willingness to support the wider production team. What's on Offer? £14.81 to £17.41 per hour , depending on experience. 4 on, 4 off continental shifts , giving you four consecutive days off. Permanent, full-time employment. Opportunity to join an established flexible packaging manufacturer. Varied, hands-on role within a busy print production environment. If you're an experienced Ink Technician looking for a new opportunity in Leeds, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today or contact Taylor Higson for a confidential chat.

Night Shift Guillotine Operator Location: Dagenham, East London Salary: £31,000 Hours: Monday to Friday, 10pm to 6am Job Type: Permanent, Full Time We're recruiting for an experienced Guillotine Operator to join a well-established commercial printing company in Dagenham. This is a great opportunity for someone with a background in print finishing who is looking for a permanent night shift position, working Monday to Friday with weekends off. The Role You'll be responsible for operating industrial guillotines, ensuring printed materials are accurately cut to specification while maintaining high standards of quality and productivity. Key Responsibilities: Operating and setting industrial guillotines, ideally Polar or Wohlenberg machines. Cutting printed materials accurately to job specifications. Reading job sheets and ensuring correct cutting measurements. Carrying out routine machine checks and maintaining a safe working environment. Working closely with the wider production and finishing teams to meet deadlines. Maintaining quality standards throughout the cutting process. What We're Looking For Previous experience operating guillotines within a commercial print environment. Ideally experience with Polar or Wohlenberg guillotines . Good attention to detail and the ability to work accurately. Confidence working independently and managing workloads. A reliable, positive attitude and willingness to work permanent nights. What's on Offer? £31,000 Permanent night shift, 10pm to 6am Monday to Friday working week Established commercial print environment Permanent, full-time employment If you're an experienced Guillotine Operator looking for a new opportunity in Dagenham, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today or contact Taylor Higson for a confidential chat.