Factory Manager

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.