Location
Newton Abbot
Position
Production
Advert Closing Date
07 Dec 2025

So, what will I be doing?

As Manufacturing Manager, you'll be part of the site management team (SMT) and key to the development and execution of the site strategy, enhancing and optimising performance through the development of high performing teams whilst supporting and nurturing our cultural journey.

This is an opportunity to lead teams in an established, distinctive and ambitious food manufacturing company that is committed to making great British dairy the right way. Forever.

We encourage you to bring your whole self to work; we value diversity and believe that everyone can make a positive impact in an environment where we feel we belong and where we feel we have a future.

As Manufacturing Manager, you will be responsible for:

  • Providing visionary leadership for the operations teams whilst developing High Performing Teams and implementing systems of work
  • Creating a culture and environment that enables the site to perform at the highest possible level 
  • Contributing to the shaping of the site vision as part of the senior management team (SMT) providing an integrated strategic plan which incorporates all dimensions of people, plant and process development.
  • Providing pace-setting leadership for the operations teams through the development and implementation of High Performing Workplace systems of work.
  • Developing engagement and empowerment at all levels of the operations team building skills, capability and contribution.
  • Leading and delivering capital projects and operational change programs across the site.
  • Influencing best practice and sharing learnings across the wider business

Sounds interesting, what do I need?

The important things:

  • Proven experience of applied knowledge of High Performing Workplace / TPM / Lean within large complex FMCG operations
  • A strong background in manufacturing leadership spanning core operations
  • Proven experience as a successful cultural change agent
  • Proven experience setting and managing financial budgets
  • Demonstrable coaching and people development skills
  • Demonstrable problem solving and analytical skills
  • Ability to influence people at all levels
  • Excellent communication skills
Even better if:
  • You’ve worked in the dairy or FMCG business…
  • You have a passion for people and developing others

Why should I join the family?

We’re independent, British and proud to be making the highest quality yogurts, desserts and ice cream under the Yeo Valley brand and for many of the UK’s major retailers. Operating from four dairies and two logistics centres in Somerset and Devon, we employ over 1700 staff and produce more than 25% of the UK’s packaged yogurt.

We’re sure you don’t need convincing, but there’s a whole host of benefits that we offer including:

  • competitive holiday allowance
  • non-contributory pension scheme
  • life cover
  • healthcare cash back plan
  • cycle to work scheme
  • subsidised Yeo Valley products and services
  • preferential rates with our partners
  • annual bonus (as part of the Employee Benefit Trust, based on company performance for the year)
  • learning and development opportunities; we’re committed to ensuring all of our employees have the chance to grow

Our closing dates are a guide for when the application window should close, although we may close the advert sooner if we can. So, we recommend you get your application in straight away – and don’t miss the opportunity to join us!

Unfortunately, we’re not able to provide employment sponsorship to candidates at this moment in time.

Please note that Yeo Valley do not accept speculative agency applications; we will only accept applications from preferred suppliers that have been submitted to us via our recruitment portal at the point of instruction.

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