Food & Drink Manufacturing Recruitment Consultancy

Location: West Midlands 
The Opportunity: A well-known manufacturing client is looking to appoint an experienced Technical Manager to take ownership of technical standards, food safety and quality performance across two manufacturing sites.

Reporting to the Head of Technical, this is an opportunity to lead the site Technical function, develop a team and influence factory standards and strengthen customer confidence across an operation that includes both its main site and a separate frozen production line.

The Role
This is a hands-on position where you'll need to balance technical compliance and audit readiness with a strong presence on the factory floor, supporting operational teams and driving improvements.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development and maintenance of the site's Quality Management System and HACCP plan, ensuring compliance with BRCGS, legislation and retailer requirements.
• Drive factory standards, GMP and food safety performance across both sites, working closely with Production, Operations, Engineering and Hygiene.
• Manage customer and third-party audits, ensuring non-conformances, corrective actions and improvement plans are effectively investigated and delivered.
• Take ownership of customer complaints and root cause analysis, ensuring appropriate corrective and preventative actions are implemented.
• Monitor and analyse technical performance, including microbiological and environmental results, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.

About You
We’re looking for an established Technical professional with a strong background in food manufacturing, who can combine technical knowledge with effective leadership and the ability to influence across a factory environment.

Essential

• Experience in a Technical Manager or similar technical leadership position within food manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, VACCP and TACCP.
• HACCP Level 3 and Food Safety Level 3 qualifications as minimum.
• Internal Auditor qualification and knowledge of retailer codes of practice.
• Experience managing audits, customer complaints, non-conformances and corrective actions.

Desirable

• Previous experience within poultry manufacturing.
• Food Safety Level 4 and HACCP Level 4 qualifications.
• Lead Auditor qualification.
• Experience working with major retailers, including Tesco, Sainsbury's and Lidl.

About the Business
The business places importance on product quality, food safety, customer requirements and maintaining high standards throughout its manufacturing operations.

What’s On Offer?
33 days holidays, inclusive of bank holidays
Life Assurance Scheme
Rewards Gateway
Free parking 
Staff shop
Monday - Friday
Plus an opportunity to take ownership of technical performance across two sites, working closely with the Head of Technical and wider operational teams.

Why True North Talent?
True North Talent specialises exclusively in recruitment across the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. We understand the sector, the challenges businesses are facing and the experience required to succeed within it.

Our specialist consultants work closely with both clients and candidates to ensure we're not simply matching a CV to a job description – we're helping people make the right career move and businesses secure the expertise they need.

Interested?
If you're an experienced Technical professional within the food manufacturing sector and this sounds like the kind of opportunity you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you.

We are seeking applications from talented Senior Quality Managers, Technical Managers, Quality Managers within the Bilston, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Wednesbury, Tipton, Walsall, West Bromwich, Stourbridge, Kingswinford, Cannock, Telford, Birmingham, Kidderminster, Lichfield, Redditch, Worcester, Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent, Derby.

Apply directly or contact Josh at True North Talent on 07830944145 for a confidential conversation about the role, quoting Ref No JO/TNT/3507.

We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.

 

Location: West Yorkshire 
The Opportunity: I am looking to speak with a Head of Technical to lead its Technical, Quality Assurance and Hygiene functions at its South Kirkby manufacturing site.

Reporting directly to the GM, this is a senior leadership opportunity where you'll take overall responsibility for technical standards, food safety, quality and hygiene performance across the site. You'll play a key role in maintaining customer confidence, ensuring compliance with retailer standards and driving a culture of continuous improvement and brand integrity throughout the operation.

The Role
This is a senior, hands-on leadership position where you'll oversee the wider Technical function, managing a team of departmental managers and ensuring the business consistently delivers against customer, legislative and food safety requirements.

You'll work closely with the GM & wider SLT, providing technical direction, strengthening customer relationships and ensuring robust systems and processes are maintained across the operation.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage the Technical, QA, Hygiene and Raw Material functions, ensuring all departments operate effectively against site objectives.
• Maintain and develop the site's Food Safety, Quality and Hygiene Management Systems, ensuring compliance with legislation, customer requirements and retailer codes of practice.
• Take ownership of the site's HACCP and TACCP plans, ensuring food safety, product integrity and risk management controls remain effective.
• Lead customer, retailer and third-party audits, ensuring non-conformances are investigated, corrective actions implemented and standards consistently maintained.

About You
We're looking for an established Technical leader with a strong background in food manufacturing, ideally within a protein-based environment. You'll have the ability to lead multiple technical functions, influence at senior level and maintain strong relationships with major retail customers.

Essential

• Previous experience in a senior Technical Management position within food manufacturing.
• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in a food related subject.
• Experience working within a food production environment, ideally within protein-based manufacturing.
• Strong experience managing Quality Management Systems, HACCP and TACCP.
• Experience leading customer and third-party audits, with exposure to major retailers.

Desirable

• Previous experience working with major retailers, particularly M&S and Tesco.
• Experience overseeing Technical, QA, Hygiene and Raw Material functions.
• Previous experience within meat, poultry or wider protein manufacturing.

About the Business
Our client is an established food manufacturing business based in Yorkshire. Whilst they have the backing of a wider group, still operate as a family ran business. The business places significant importance on product quality, food safety, customer relationships and maintaining the highest standards of technical compliance and brand integrity.

What's On Offer?
An excellent opportunity to take ownership of the wider Technical function within an established food manufacturing operation. You'll have the opportunity to influence site-wide standards, lead multiple departments and work closely with senior leadership and major retail customers to drive technical performance and continuous improvement.

Why True North Talent?
True North Talent specialises exclusively in recruitment across the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. We understand the sector, the challenges businesses are facing and the experience required to succeed within it.

Our specialist consultants work closely with both clients and candidates to ensure we're not simply matching a CV to a job description – we're helping people make the right career move and businesses secure the expertise they need.

Interested?
If you're an experienced Head of Technical or Technical Manager within the food manufacturing sector and this sounds like the kind of opportunity you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you.

We are seeking applications from talented Senior Quality Managers, Head of Technicals, Technical Managers, Factory Technical Managers, and Senior Technical Managers based within Castleford, Pontefract, Barnsley, Doncaster, Wakefield, South Kirkby, Barnsley and surrounding areas.

Apply directly or contact Josh at True North Talent on 07830944145 for a confidential conversation about the role, quoting JO/TNT/3532.
We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: West Midlands 
The Opportunity: A well-established food manufacturing business is looking to appoint an experienced Health & Safety Manager to take ownership of health, safety and welfare standards across its operation.
Reporting to Site Director, this is an opportunity to lead the development and implementation of health and safety policies, systems and procedures, ensuring a safe working environment for all employees. You'll play a key role in maintaining legal compliance, driving improvements and developing a positive health and safety culture throughout the business.

The Role
This is a hands-on position where you'll be responsible for monitoring health and safety performance, identifying potential risks and ensuring appropriate control measures are implemented. You'll work closely with management and operational teams to maintain safe working practices, deliver training and ensure the business meets its health and safety obligations.

In this role, you will:

• Establish, maintain and monitor the company's Health & Safety Policy, ensuring employees understand and follow relevant procedures.
• Ensure appropriate risk assessments are completed, reviewed and that identified control measures are implemented effectively.
• Maintain a safe working environment, ensuring plant, machinery, equipment and workplace facilities meet health and safety requirements.
• Oversee accident and incident reporting including investigations and ensure appropriate preventative or emergency procedures, first-aid arrangements, safety signage and personal protective equipment are in place.
• Monitor workplace standards, including fire safety, hazardous substances, electrical safety, noise, manual handling and general welfare requirements.

About You
We're looking for a proactive Health & Safety professional with a strong understanding of workplace safety legislation and the ability to establish and maintain effective health and safety systems within a manufacturing environment.

Essential

• Previous experience in a Health & Safety management position or similar role within a Food Manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and relevant workplace legislation.
• Experience developing, implementing and monitoring health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• Comfort managing workplace audits, inspections, accident reporting and corrective actions.
• Knowledge of workplace hazards, including machinery, hazardous substances, fire safety, manual handling and electrical risks.

Desirable

• Previous experience within food manufacturing or a manufacturing environment.
• Relevant Health & Safety qualifications.
• Experience working with external authorities and supporting regulatory inspections.
• Experience developing a proactive health and safety culture within a fast-paced operational environment.

About the Business
Our client is an established food manufacturing business where maintaining high standards of health and safety, product quality and operational performance is essential. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with the wider management team and make a meaningful contribution to workplace safety and employee welfare.

What's On Offer?
An opportunity to take ownership of the Health & Safety function within an established food manufacturing business. You'll have the scope to influence workplace standards, develop safety processes and lead improvements while working closely with the wider management team.

Why True North Talent?
True North Talent specialises exclusively in recruitment across the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. We understand the sector, the challenges businesses are facing and the experience required to succeed within it.

Our specialist consultants work closely with both clients and candidates to ensure we're not simply matching a CV to a job description – we're helping people make the right career move and businesses secure the expertise they need.

Interested?
If you're an experienced Health & Safety professional within the food manufacturing or wider manufacturing sector and this sounds like the kind of opportunity you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you.

We are seeking applications from talented Healthy and Safety Manager, HSE Manager, H&S Managers, HSE Consultants, and Senior HSE Consultants within the Bilston, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Wednesbury, Tipton, Walsall, West Bromwich, Stourbridge, Kingswinford, Cannock, Telford, Birmingham, Kidderminster, Lichfield, Redditch, Worcester, Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent, Derby.

Apply directly or contact Josh at True North Talent on 07830944145 for a confidential conversation about the role, quoting JO/TNT/3520.
We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.

 

Location: Greater Manchester
Shifts: 12-hour shifts day and nights

The Opportunity
This is an exciting time to join the business as they are going through a period of growth and change. They are looking for a Shift Manager as they are losing a long-standing employee due to their relocation.

The Role

• In this role you will drive a team by coaching and developing them to achieve results
• Lead by example ensuring safety always comes first
• The successful Shift Manager will inspire and lead your team to deliver and become the best shift in the business
• Identify and support development needs within the team
• Optimise the production plan to ensure you maximise capacity and cost effective
• Working with all the retailers you will ensure the product meets the technical standards by working closely with the technical team.
• Safety is paramount so you will ensure the team have the correct PPE and have had full inductions.
• Working to the production plan you will work with you team in adhering to this and not shorting the customer
• Identifying improvements and encouraging your team to consider how they can make improvements

About You
We're looking for someone with:

Essential

• Experience within food manufacturing or FMCG manufacturing is essential for this role.
• Proven experience of managing and developing a team
• Having a continuous improvement mindset would be beneficial

Desirable

• Degree educated would be advantageous for this

About the Business
I know the Site Manager along with most of the senior managers and I can honestly say it is a great place to work. The company value their people you are so much more than a number here.

What's On Offer?
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000
Pension: Enhanced pension scheme
Other benefits: Web-based discounts
Working pattern: 12 hour day and night shifts

We are seeking applications from talented Shift Production Managers, Shift Operations Managers, Shift Team Leaders, Team Managers, Front Line Managers who live within Manchester, Trafford Park, Stockport, Bury, Salford, Warrington and Greater Manchester.

Why True North Talent?
True North Talent specialises exclusively in recruitment across the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. We understand the sector, the challenges businesses are facing and the experience required to succeed within it.
Our specialist consultants work closely with both clients and candidates to ensure we're not simply matching a CV to a job description – we're helping people make the right career move and businesses secure the expertise they need.

Interested?
If you're an experienced Shift Operations professional within the food and drink manufacturing sector and this sounds like the kind of opportunity you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply directly or contact Carole Hearn 07899 686690 at True North Talent for a confidential conversation about the role, quoting Ref No CH/TNT/3521.

We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: Nottinghamshire
The Opportunity: Fancy taking ownership of production planning at a growing food manufacturing business?

We're working with an established fresh produce manufacturer that's experienced significant growth over recent years and is continuing to invest in its operations. Following the acquisition of an additional production site, they're looking for a confident Supply Chain & Production Planner to help shape how the site operates and keep production running smoothly.

This is a great opportunity to make a genuine impact rather than simply follow an existing plan!

The Role
Reporting to the Planning Manager, you'll take responsibility for production planning at the site, working closely with factory teams to ensure customer orders are delivered efficiently and on time.

In this role, you will:

• Take ownership of daily production schedules, ensuring the right products are produced and packed at the right time.
• Coordinate customer orders, stock and materials, keeping production running smoothly in a fast-paced environment.
• Work closely with production, technical and operational teams to overcome challenges and respond to changing demands.
• Drive improvements in efficiency, helping reduce waste, improve performance and support the introduction of new planning systems.

About You
We're looking for someone who enjoys the challenge of keeping a busy factory organised and isn't afraid to get stuck in!

Essential

• Previous experience in a Production Planning, Factory Planning or similar role within food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of production scheduling, stock management and coordinating customer orders.
• Confident using Excel and working with production planning or stock management systems.
• A proactive problem-solver who can work independently, communicate effectively across departments and adapt to changing priorities.

Desirable

• Experience within fresh produce manufacturing, particularly vegetables or potatoes.
• Familiarity with EDI, ERP or Business Intelligence systems, such as Power BI.
• Experience identifying opportunities to reduce waste, improve production efficiency or streamline planning processes.
• Exposure to major retailer supply chains and the demands of short shelf-life products.

 
About the Business
An established and growing fresh produce manufacturer supplying some of the UK's leading supermarkets. With significant investment, an expanding workforce and continued development across its production sites, the business offers an exciting environment for someone looking to make their mark.

What's On Offer?

• Salary: Circa £34,000 per annum (annual equivalent), paid weekly at £16.20 per hour.
• Overtime: Available at £20.25 per hour (time and a quarter) for hours above 40 per week.
• Working pattern: Monday–Friday, 6am–3:30pm.
• Contract: Permanent, full-time.
• Location: Nottinghamshire.
• Development: Opportunity to take ownership of production planning at a growing site, with support and training on new systems.

We are seeking applications from talented Production Planners, Factory Planners, Supply Chain Planners and Manufacturing Planners based in or around Newark, Mansfield, Ollerton, Southwell, Worksop and Nottingham.

Why True North Talent?
True North Talent specialises exclusively in recruitment across the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. We understand the sector, the challenges businesses are facing and the experience required to succeed within it.

Our specialist consultants work closely with both clients and candidates to ensure we're not simply matching a CV to a job description – we're helping people make the right career move and businesses secure the expertise they need.

Interested?
If you're an experienced Production or Supply Chain Planner professional within the food and drink manufacturing sector and this sounds like the kind of opportunity you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply directly or contact Dan Walker - 07830 944183 at True North Talent for a confidential conversation about the role, quoting Ref No DW/TNT/3503.

We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.
We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: London
The Opportunity: Ready to take ownership of a key procurement category?

Great procurement is about more than securing the best price. It’s about knowing the market, challenging suppliers and finding smarter ways to deliver value.
We’re working with a well-established chilled food manufacturer looking for a Direct Procurement Buyer to take ownership of key supplier relationships and help drive its procurement strategy forward. 

Why this role?
With chilled food at the heart of the business, procurement plays a key role in supporting performance, managing costs and ensuring the right suppliers are in place to support its ambitions.

You’ll have the opportunity to shape procurement strategy, build strong supplier partnerships and influence decisions that make a real difference to cost, quality and efficiency across the chilled division.

If you enjoy getting stuck into negotiations, spotting opportunities others might miss and challenging the way things are done, this is a chance to take ownership, drive change and see the impact of your work across the business.

What will you be doing?
•    Managing key supplier relationships across direct procurement.
•    Supporting supplier negotiations, contracts and sourcing activities.
•    Analysing market trends to identify commercial opportunities and inform buying decisions.
•    Tracking procurement KPIs and performance against strategy.
•    Driving improvements in cost, quality, efficiency and purchasing processes.
•    Ensuring ethical sourcing, supplier traceability and compliance.
•    Monitoring purchase orders and resolving delivery issues with suppliers.
•    Working with Supply Chain to manage inventory and reduce waste and risk.
•    Leading supplier performance improvements and continuous improvement initiatives.
•    Supporting NPD and wider business projects.
•    Contributing to business strategy and representing Purchasing at senior leadership level.

About the business: 
Our client is an established, multi-site chilled food manufacturer supplying customers across the food industry. With a dedicated focus on chilled products, the business combines established manufacturing operations with a strong emphasis on quality, customer requirements and efficient ways of working.

What are they looking for?
Essential: 
•    Previous procurement experience is essential.
•    A strong FMCG background, ideally within chilled food.
•    Experience in sourcing processes and contract negotiations.
•    Experience operating at SLT level and contributing to wider business strategy.
•    Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret performance data and understand the impact of market conditions.
•    Confidence in challenging stakeholders, questioning assumptions and influencing decisions.
•    A track record of identifying opportunities for improvement, implementing change and delivering results.
•    A strong understanding of wider business processes and how procurement supports commercial and operational performance.
•    Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage stakeholders at all levels.
•    A proactive, self-motivated approach, with the ability to work independently and drive initiatives forward.

What's in it for you?
•    The opportunity to take ownership of key direct procurement categories.
•    Exposure to strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations and market analysis.
•    The chance to influence procurement strategy and work with senior stakeholders.
•    A varied role spanning procurement, supply chain, NPD and wider business projects.
•    Genuine scope to drive continuous improvement and deliver measurable commercial results.

Why speak to True North Talent?
We're specialists in food and drink manufacturing recruitment, so we understand the procurement, supply chain, technical and operational landscape you're working in.

If you're a Procurement Buyer looking for your next challenge, with the opportunity to influence supplier relationships, drive commercial improvements and contribute to wider business strategy, we'd love to have a confidential conversation.

Interested?
If you have the desired experience, please send your CV quoting ref IC/TNT/2769 or call 0161 399 1575 / 0744 7735 175 and ask for India who will be more than happy to talk you through the position in more detail. 

We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.

Location: Central Scotland (Hybrid - 3 days in office)
Contract: 6-Month Fixed Term Contract

An Exciting Leadership Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced Head of Packaging Development to lead our packaging function across a diverse portfolio of consumer brands. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strategic and commercially focused packaging leader to drive innovation, sustainability, cost optimisation, and continuous improvement within a fast-paced FMCG environment.

Reporting into the senior R&D leadership team, you will be responsible for shaping and delivering the packaging strategy, leading a high-performing team, and ensuring packaging solutions are fit for purpose from concept through to successful market launch.

The Role
As Head of Packaging Development, you will take full ownership of the packaging development agenda across innovation, sustainability, value engineering, and supply continuity initiatives.
You will work closely with colleagues across R&D, Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Marketing to develop and commercialise packaging solutions that meet consumer needs, support business growth, and deliver operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
•    Lead, coach, and develop a team of packaging professionals.
•    Build capability within the function to meet current and future business requirements.
•    Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability.
•    Act as the packaging representative within cross-functional leadership forums.
•    Manage stakeholder expectations and provide technical leadership across multiple projects.

Packaging Strategy & Development
•    Deliver packaging projects across innovation, sustainability, cost reduction, and supply chain programmes.
•    Ensure all packaging solutions are technically robust, commercially viable, and delivered to agreed timelines.
•    Drive future packaging strategies aligned with changing consumer expectations and market trends.
•    Conduct competitor benchmarking and identify emerging packaging technologies and opportunities.
•    Ensure packaging specifications meet all relevant quality, food safety, and regulatory requirements.

Sustainability & Compliance
•    Lead sustainability initiatives and future-proof packaging strategies against evolving legislation.
•    Drive projects linked to: 
•    Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
•    Deposit Return Schemes (DRS)
•    Packaging reduction and recyclability improvements
•    Support Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and environmental impact reduction initiatives.
•    Ensure compliance with UK and European packaging regulations and food-contact legislation.

Innovation & Technical Excellence
•    Develop and implement new packaging technologies and materials.
•    Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure successful trials and product launches.
•    Manage technical relationships with packaging suppliers and external partners.
•    Support the use of digital tools, PLM systems, and emerging technologies to enhance packaging development processes.
•    Build strong relationships with industry bodies, research organisations, and academic institutions.

About You
We're looking for an experienced packaging leader with a strong technical background and a passion for innovation.

Essential Experience
•    Degree qualified in Packaging Technology, Engineering, Food Science, or a related discipline.
•    Significant packaging development experience within FMCG, ideally beverages, alcohol, food, or consumer products.
•    Proven experience leading and developing technical packaging teams.
•    Strong knowledge of packaging materials including PET, glass, aluminium, closures, labels, and secondary packaging.
•    Experience delivering successful packaging projects from concept through to commercial launch.

Technical Knowledge
•    Excellent understanding of beverage manufacturing and packaging processes.
•    Knowledge of packaging legislation, food-contact regulations, and quality standards.
•    Experience working within ISO, BRC, HACCP, and related quality management systems.
•    Understanding of sustainability frameworks including EPR, DRS, and LCA methodologies.
•    Experience with packaging specifications and product lifecycle management systems.

Personal Attributes
•    Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness.
•    Highly collaborative with excellent stakeholder management skills.
•    Innovative, analytical and solutions-focused.
•    Confident communicator who can bridge technical and commercial discussions.
•    Passionate about developing teams and driving continuous improvement.

What's on Offer?
•    Competitive salary
•    Performance-related bonus
•    Pension contribution
•    Generous holiday entitlement
•    Flexible benefits package
•    Healthcare cash plan
•    Life assurance
•    Ongoing learning and development opportunities
•    Hybrid working arrangement
•    Opportunity to make a significant impact within a leading consumer goods business

If you're an experienced packaging leader looking for your next challenge and have the expertise to drive innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Why True North Talent?
True North Talent specialises exclusively in recruitment across the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. We understand the sector, the challenges businesses are facing and the experience required to succeed within it.

Our specialist consultants work closely with both clients and candidates to ensure we're not simply matching a CV to a job description – we're helping people make the right career move and businesses secure the expertise they need.

Interested?
If you are an experienced Site Lead within the food and drink manufacturing sector and this sounds like the kind of opportunity you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply directly or contact Matt on 0161 399 1575 / 07441 342190 for a confidential discussion, quoting reference MW/TNT/3474.
We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.