Head of Production

Head of Production | Food Manufacturing | Scale-Up Environment

There’s something special about joining a business at the right moment – when the foundations are strong, the product is loved, and growth is no longer a question of if, but how far.

We’re exclusively representing a fast-growing, independent food manufacturer that has built an exceptional reputation for quality, craft and consistency. As demand continues to accelerate, the business is investing in its next phase of growth - and this is where you come in.

This is a newly created Head of Production role, reporting directly to the Managing Director. It’s a rare opportunity to take full ownership of manufacturing operations in a scaling environment, where your influence will shape not just the factory floor, but the future of the business.

The Opportunity

You’ll step into a pivotal leadership role, bringing together production, planning, and dispatch into a cohesive, high-performing operation.

This isn’t about maintaining the status quo. It’s about building refining systems, developing people, and creating a manufacturing function that can scale with confidence.

You’ll be as comfortable setting strategy as you are being present on the floor, leading by example, solving problems in real time, and ensuring the day-to-day runs as smoothly as the long-term plan.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll take full responsibility for manufacturing performance, with a focus on:

• Operational Leadership – Aligning production, planning, and dispatch to deliver efficiency, quality, and service excellence
• Team Development – Leading and mentoring managers, building capability, and creating a culture of accountability and collaboration
• Production Planning – Translating demand into clear, achievable plans within a fast-paced, just-in-time environment
• Continuous Improvement – Identifying opportunities to improve flow, reduce waste, and enhance overall performance
• Systems & Process – Driving the effective use of digital production systems to improve visibility and decision-making
• Quality & Compliance – Ensuring the highest standards of food safety, HACCP, and operational compliance
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Working closely with commercial, e-commerce, and marketing teams to align supply with demand
• Scalability – Building the structure, processes, and discipline needed to support ongoing growth

You’ll also play a key role in shaping KPIs, leading improvement initiatives, and contributing to wider business strategy alongside the senior leadership team.

What We’re Looking For

This role will suit an experienced manufacturing or operations leader who thrives in an SME or scale-up environment.

You’ll likely bring:

• Proven leadership experience within food manufacturing or a similar fast-paced environment
• A hands-on, visible leadership style - someone who leads from the front
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and hygiene standards
• Experience developing teams and mentoring managers
• Confidence working with (and improving) digital production systems
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work cross-functionally
• A natural curiosity and drive to improve how things are done

If you’ve previously helped scale an operation, introduced new processes, or supported business growth through operational excellence - that will set you apart.

Why This Role?

This is more than a leadership position, it’s a chance to own and shape a function.

You’ll have:

• Direct access to the Managing Director and real influence on decision-making
• The autonomy to implement change and see the impact of your work
• The opportunity to grow with the business as it continues to scale
• A collaborative, values-led culture where people genuinely enjoy working together

If you’re looking for a role where you can step up, take ownership, and play a defining role in a growing food business, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

For more information please contact Shaf Islam on si@zestfoodjobs.co.uk