Factory Manager

About Kepak Group

Kepak Group is a prominent food company operating 15 manufacturing facilities and employing over 4,500 people across Ireland and the UK, generating a turnover of €1.75 billion. The company functions through three core divisions: Foods Division, Meat Division UK, and Meat Division Ireland. The organization is driven by core values including Responsibility, Ambition, Passion for Food, and Teamwork, committed to being a sustainable and forward-looking business that is also an excellent workplace.

The Foods Division has established a notable range of brands in chilled convenience, ambient, and frozen meat markets across the UK, Ireland, and select European countries, catering to both retail and foodservice clients. The division comprises 5 manufacturing sites supported by shared services and about 1,000 employees, aiming to evolve into a profitable €0.5 billion food business by 2030.

Role Overview

We seek a seasoned Factory Manager to oversee our fast-moving food production facility located in Kirkham, Preston. Reporting directly to the Operations Director, you will manage a 24/7 production environment encompassing chilled, frozen, and cooking categories. Your leadership will focus on promoting safety, enhancing quality, improving efficiency, and driving strong performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion operational excellence by fostering a continuous improvement mindset to boost cost-effectiveness, process enhancements, and innovations.
• Lead a strong safety culture ensuring full adherence to all health and safety laws and internal standards.
• Manage the site budget alongside Finance, submit capital expenditure proposals, and control operating expenses aligning with company objectives and ensuring transparency.
• Empower and develop the site management team through routine coaching and mentoring to enhance their performance and potential.
• Facilitate effective collaboration among cross-functional teams—including health and safety, people, quality assurance, IT, finance, engineering, and sustainability—to meet site goals.
• Establish management routines such as communication forums and one-on-ones to keep teams informed about site performance, risks, opportunities, and challenges.
• Continuously update and enforce robust business continuity and risk management plans involving all relevant stakeholders.

Candidate Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in senior leadership roles within food manufacturing operations.
• Proven ability to achieve operational KPIs and foster performance advancements.
• Experience managing extensive, diverse teams across multiple disciplines.
• Strong know-how of food safety certifications such as BRC or equivalents.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in managing budgets and controlling costs.
• Experience participating in multi-site operations and major projects like site consolidations, new production line installations, or system implementations.

Benefits

• Participation in company pension scheme.
• Support for continuing education opportunities.
• Bike to Work Scheme allowing purchase of bikes and safety gear via salary sacrifice, reducing taxable income.
• Recognition through Long Service Awards for dedicated employees.
• Access to GroceryAid Employee Assistance Program offering comprehensive support including mental health, family advice, debt management, and counselling services for employees and their families.
• Corporate gym membership at Ribby Hall Village.
• Complimentary BUPA Cash Plan coverage.