Manufacturing Specialist - New Product Development - Concept

More about the role

Keeping our production and manufacturing operations running smoothly and efficiently is key to a fantastic shopping experience, which is why our Manufacturing Specialists are so vital to our success.

Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, you’ll bring a hands-on, down-to-earth approach to managing complex manufacturing processes and site performance. You'll lead site-wide operational improvements, oversee yield and output standards, manage technical production workflows, and ensure every line is safe, compliant, and ready to meet distribution demands.

In this role, you’ll be on hand to:

• Put customers and stores first: Lead high-level production schedules and quality processes to ensure consistent product supply, acting on site feedback to keep food safety and quality standards high.
• Lead and support your team: Guide colleagues with a warm, approachable style, delivering training so colleagues have the confidence to manage daily operational routines.
• Drive performance and availability: Oversee a performance-driven manufacturing environment, guiding teams to work with clear purpose against operational, yield, output, and safety targets.
• Keep operations running smoothly: Solve complex site and machinery challenges, lead manufacturing continuous improvement projects, and build strong working relationships across supply chain networks.

More about our perks

• Generous holiday entitlement
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• 15% discount in our supermarkets and convenience stores from the day you join us
• Additional 10% discount card for a friend or family member
• Genuine career progression and development opportunities - read more about our Leadership School here
• Subsidised staff canteen
• Free parking
• Competitive pension and life assurance
• Healthcare / Wellbeing benefits including Aviva Digital GP
• 'MyPerks' with discounts at high street shops, cinemas and gyms, and lots more
• Optional payroll charity donations
• A range of family-friendly policies including 26 weeks maternity and adoption leave along with neonatal and fertility leave

More about you

Whether your background is in food manufacturing, FMCG, processing, or site operations, if you care about great service, honest hard work, and bringing out the best in people, you'll fit right in with us.

You'll be the kind of person who:

• Has proven experience managing complex manufacturing functions in a fast-paced environment, confidently handling daily production priorities and stepping up to support site leadership when required.
• Builds a strong, supportive team, shares technical operational knowledge, and resolves unexpected production disruptions calmly to keep the team working well together.
• Listens and acts on feedback from operatives, engineers, and site managers to improve operational flows every shift, remaining flexible to new technologies and processes.
• Takes a practical, no-nonsense approach to manufacturing operations, keeping a close eye on legal compliance, hygiene, health and safety, and core performance metrics.