Protea Recruitment has been tasked in the search for a Head of Manufacturing who knows how to lead from the front, elevate standards, and build teams that deliver exceptional results every single day. If you thrive in fast‑paced environments, love solving operational challenges, and get energy from developing people, this could be your next move.
Responsibilities
Full ownership of manufacturing operations, from planning to execution
Turning demand into clear, accurate production plans using digital systems
Hands‑on support on the floor and acting as the escalation point for operational issues
Courier and dispatch coordination, including peak‑period planning
Preventative maintenance and machinery uptime
Stock accuracy, inventory control, and cross‑team collaboration
Workflow improvements, system optimisation, and data visibility
Team leadership, coaching, and performance development
Food safety, hygiene, HACCP, and compliance standards
KPI tracking, waste reduction, and continuous improvement projects
Qualifications
Leadership experience in food manufacturing or a similar fast‑moving environment
Strong HACCP and food safety knowledge
Confidence with digital production systems
A collaborative, commercially aware mindset
Hands‑on leadership suited to a small, agile team
Bonus: experience with scaling, lean, or short‑shelf‑life categories
Benefits
A competitive salary, strong benefits, professional development opportunities, and a genuinely supportive culture built on teamwork, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
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