Food & Drink Manufacturing Recruitment Consultancy

JOBSEEKERS

Looking for your next role in food manufacturing?

Whether it be Interim or Permanent, look no further! If you have previous experience in the Food and Drink manufacturing industry, we would love to speak with you. Our team connect people with incredible opportunities with innovative start-ups, household names and global brands - workplaces where you can make a real difference.

EMPLOYERS

Hiring for your Food Manufacturing Team?

We're 100% dedicated to food and drink manufacturing recruitment; we know the pressures on your production lines, the seasonality, and the people that can genuinely make a difference. That's why we're trusted with 5⭐ Google reviews from clients and candidates who come back, refer us, and recommend us.

Latest Food Manufacturing Role Vacancies.

Search all food manufacturing jobs
SUPPLY CHAIN

Procurement Manager

Greater London, UK

£55,000 - £65,000 per annum

Permanent

Location: London

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.

NPD/R&D

Head of Packaging Development - 6 Month Fixed Term Contract

Cumbernauld, Glasgow, UK

c£80,000 per annum, based on experience

FTC

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.

FEATURED
SUPPLY CHAIN

Head of Supply Chain Operations

Fochabers, UK

Six figure package

Permanent

Six Figure package | Fochabers | Site-based with travel

The Opportunity

This is a senior leadership opportunity to shape the supply chain strategy of Baxters Food Group, an established food manufacturer with a strong heritage and operations across Europe.

With responsibility for production planning, customer service, logistics and distribution and inventory, you will create a more connected, responsive and efficient supply chain that supports both customer service and the Group’s wider strategic ambitions.

The Role

Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will lead Baxters’ European supply chain operations function, with accountability for production planning, customer service, logistics and distribution.

In this role, you will:

Develop and implement the European customer service and logistics strategy, establishing clear priorities, performance measures and standards. Lead production planning across multiple manufacturing sites, creating greater transparency, stability and consistency. Own the master production schedules, working closely with Factory General Managers to align capacity, resources and supply requirements. Manage third-party logistics relationships, driving improvements across cost, service, compliance and sustainability. Establish and manage meaningful supply chain KPIs, using data to explain performance, anticipate risk and inform better decisions. Champion the use of Oracle ASCP to create more reliable, repeatable and effective planning processes. Ensure supply chain considerations are embedded within new product launches, supporting effective execution and speed to market. Lead, coach and develop teams across customer service, logistics and production planning, creating greater accountability and collaboration. Take ownership of relevant budgets and cost centres, balancing customer service, operational efficiency and working capital requirements.

The Challenge

This is not a role focused solely on maintaining existing processes. You will need to connect supply chain activity across multiple sites, challenge established ways of working and create a clearer, more consistent operating model.

You will work with experienced and confident operational stakeholders, so you must be comfortable challenging constructively, influencing at senior level and turning complex operational data into clear commercial insight.

About You

We’re looking for someone with:

Essential

Senior supply chain leadership experience gained within food, drink or another fast-paced manufacturing environment. Broad experience across production planning, logistics, distribution and customer service.
Experience leading supply chain activity across multiple manufacturing sites.
A strong track record of improving supply chain processes, performance and service levels.
The credibility and confidence to influence Directors, senior managers and operational leaders.
Strong commercial awareness, including experience managing budgets, costs, service performance and working capital.
Proven experience leading, coaching and developing supply chain teams. The ability to lead change and continuous improvement initiatives through to measurable results.
Desirable

Experience supporting a European or international supply chain network.
Knowledge of Oracle ASCP or a comparable advanced planning system.
Experience improving third-party logistics performance and supply chain sustainability.
Involvement in new product introduction and supply chain innovation.
About Baxters Food Group

Baxters Food Group is an established food manufacturer with a proud heritage, recognised brands and operations across the UK and Europe.

This role is based at the company’s Fochabers site in Moray and offers an experienced supply chain leader the opportunity to make a visible impact on customer service, operational performance and long-term strategy.

Working pattern: Predominantly site-based in Fochabers, with travel across the wider Group as required

Importantly, this is an opportunity to shape a significant European supply chain function and influence how Baxters approaches planning, customer service, logistics and distribution for the future.

We are seeking applications from talented Heads of Supply Chain, Supply Chain Directors, Heads of Supply Chain Operations, Logistics Directors, Planning Directors and Customer Service and Logistics Directors who live within or can relocate to Fochabers, Elgin, Keith, Huntly, Inverness, Aberdeen or the surrounding areas of Moray and North East Scotland.

Interested?

If you’re an experienced supply chain leader within the food and drink/FMCG manufacturing sector and this sounds like the kind of opportunity you’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply directly to our retained consultant Emma Symonds at True North Talent for a confidential conversation about the role, quoting Ref No ES/TNT/3403.

We may hold your data, as per the 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.

OPERATIONS

Site Lead

Lancashire, UK

Competitive Salary plus Benefits Package

Permanent

Location: Lancashire
The Opportunity: A senior operational leadership opportunity for an experienced food manufacturing professional ready to take ownership of a complex, multi-shift manufacturing operation and make a measurable impact on performance.

This is an opportunity to lead a busy food manufacturing site, working closely with the Operations Director and wider leadership team to improve safety, quality, service, cost and operational performance.

You'll have genuine responsibility for the site's day-to-day operation, while also playing a key role in its longer-term development. The business is continuing to invest in its manufacturing capability, so this is a role where there is scope to influence how the site operates and how it develops.

Why this role?
This is a 24/7 manufacturing operation with multiple production areas and a sizeable multi-disciplinary workforce.

Reporting to the Operations Director, you'll lead the site management team and create the structure, accountability and performance culture needed to deliver against operational KPIs.

The challenge is not simply keeping production running. You'll be expected to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, strengthen leadership capability and embed a culture of continuous improvement.

You'll have exposure across Operations, Engineering, Technical, Quality, Health & Safety, Finance, People and Sustainability, giving you a genuine opportunity to influence the wider site strategy.

What will you be responsible for?

  • Taking overall operational responsibility for the manufacturing site and ensuring production targets are delivered safely, efficiently and consistently.
  • Leading and developing the site management team, creating clear accountability for performance.
  • Driving improvements across safety, quality, service, cost and efficiency.
  • Embedding Lean and continuous improvement principles across the operation.
  • Managing site budgets, operating costs and capital expenditure proposals in partnership with Finance.
  • Developing a strong safety culture and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and site standards.
  • Working closely with Technical and Quality teams to maintain food safety and customer standards.
  • Leading cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Technical, Finance, People, IT and Sustainability.
  • Establishing effective management routines, communication forums and performance reviews.
  • Identifying operational risks and ensuring robust business continuity plans are in place.
  • Supporting major site projects, including new equipment, systems implementation and wider manufacturing improvement programmes.
  • Building leadership capability through coaching, mentoring and clear performance expectations.

What we're looking for
Essential

  • Proven senior operational or Factory Management experience within food manufacturing.
  • Experience leading a sizeable, multi-disciplinary manufacturing operation.
  • A strong track record of improving operational KPIs and delivering measurable performance improvements.
  • Experience managing budgets, costs and capital expenditure.
  • Strong understanding of food safety standards, including BRCGS or equivalent.
  • Experience of Lean and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • The ability to lead through other managers and create clear accountability for performance.

Desirable

  • Multi-site manufacturing experience.
  • Experience of significant manufacturing projects or site transformation.
  • Experience working within a 24/7 production environment.
  • Formal Lean / Continuous Improvement qualification.


What’s on Offer?
This is a great business to join as they really invest in the people and support development and growth. It’s a great culture and people are genuinely happy in their roles within the business.

We are seeking applications from talented Head of Operations, Site Leaders, Operations Managers, Site Manager who live within Greater Manchester, Lancashire or Cumbria.

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 Carole on 0161 399 1575 / 07899 686690 for a confidential discussion, quoting reference CH/TNT/3440.

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.
 

TECHNICAL

Factory Technical Manager

Lancashire

c£50,000 - 55,000 per year

Permanent

Location: Lancashire
The Opportunity: A hands-on technical leadership role where you’ll be visible on the factory floor, influence standards and help drive technical performance across a busy food manufacturing operation.

This is an opportunity for an experienced Technical professional to take ownership of factory technical standards, work closely with Production, Engineering, Hygiene and Warehouse teams, and make a tangible difference to day-to-day technical performance.

You’ll be joining an established food manufacturing business at an important stage of its development, with continued investment and growth creating opportunities for people who want to make an impact rather than simply maintain the status quo.

Why this role?
This is a highly visible, factory-based role working alongside the Site Technical Manager.

Your focus will be on maintaining audit readiness, improving factory standards and challenging practices that create avoidable non-conformances. You’ll also play an important role in coaching colleagues across the site and deputising for the Technical Manager during audits and factory walkarounds.

It’s a role that will suit someone who enjoys being close to the operation, can build credibility with different departments and is comfortable holding standards when they need to be challenged.

What will you be responsible for?

  • Ensuring finished product meets agreed technical and quality standards.
  • Maintaining a high level of audit readiness across the factory.
  • Establishing and embedding clear “what good looks like” standards.
  • Coaching and supporting QA, Production, Engineering, Hygiene and Warehouse teams.
  • Identifying the causes of avoidable non-conformances and driving improvements in factory practices.
  • Supporting retailer code approval requirements and managing associated samples.
  • Overseeing pest control processes across the manufacturing operation.
  • Deputising for the Site Technical Manager during audits and factory walkarounds.
  • Spending the majority of your time on the factory floor, providing a visible technical presence.
  • Working flexibly across shifts where required to maintain standards and provide technical support.

What we're looking for
Essential

  • Previous technical experience within a food manufacturing environment.
  • Experience of leading, coaching or supervising technical/quality colleagues.
  • Strong understanding of food safety, technical standards and factory compliance.
  • Experience working with retailer requirements and customer audits.
  • The confidence to challenge standards and influence colleagues across different functions.
  • A practical, hands-on approach with the ability to identify issues and drive them through to resolution.

Desirable

  • Experience deputising for a Technical Manager or leading technical activity during audits.
  • Experience working with major UK retailers.
  • Experience across QA, factory standards and technical compliance.

What's on offer?
This is a great business to join as they really invest in the people and support development and growth. This is a Factory Technical Manager they are looking to find someone who has experience working in the factory running the technical and quality team.

We are seeking applications from talented QA Managers, Assistant Technical Managers, Senior QA Managers, Factory Technical Managers or Technical Managers, who live within Greater Manchester & Lancashire.

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 Factory Manager 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 on 0161 399 1575 / 07899 686690 for a confidential discussion, quoting reference CH/TNT/3442.

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.
 

TECHNICAL

Technical Manager

Merseyside

c£70,000 - 75,000 per year

Permanent

Location: Merseyside
The Opportunity: A senior technical leadership opportunity where you'll have real ownership of food safety, quality and hygiene across a busy manufacturing site.

This is a role for an experienced Technical or Quality professional who enjoys being close to the operation, challenging standards and making improvements that have a measurable impact.

You'll take ownership of the site's technical agenda, working closely with Operations and other functions to ensure food is produced safely, consistently and to the standards expected by customers, accreditations and the business.

Why this role?
This isn't simply a role focused on maintaining systems and passing audits.
You'll have genuine accountability for the site's food safety, quality and hygiene performance, with the opportunity to influence how the factory operates and drive improvements across standards, processes and ways of working.

You'll lead customer and accreditation audits, own the site's HACCP, TACCP, food defence and food fraud systems, and work with colleagues across the business to identify risk and implement sustainable solutions.
There is also scope to get involved in new product, plant and equipment projects, as well as wider site initiatives.

What will I be responsible for?
You'll take ownership of:

  • Food safety, quality and hygiene standards across the manufacturing site.
  • HACCP, TACCP, food defence, food fraud and product integrity systems.
  • BRC, IFS, RSPO and customer standards, ensuring the site remains audit ready.
  • Leading customer and accreditation audits, including RCA and close-out of non-conformances.
  • Quality and Hygiene KPIs, including RFT, complaints, blocked and scrapped stock and hygiene performance.
  • Customer and consumer complaints, including identifying trends and driving reduction programmes.
  • GMP and hygiene standards across the factory, challenging non-compliance and improving ways of working.
  • Risk assessments across products and ingredients, working collaboratively with Operations, NPD and Technical colleagues.
  • Supporting new product introductions and projects involving plant and equipment.
  • Quality and Hygiene budgets, ensuring expenditure supports the wider site strategy.
  • Leading local improvement projects and escalating significant issues appropriately.

What we're looking for
You'll already have substantial Technical, Quality or Food Safety experience within food manufacturing and be comfortable operating at both a strategic and hands-on level.

Essential:

  • Strong experience within food manufacturing Technical, Quality, Food Safety or Hygiene.
  • Thorough understanding of HACCP, TACCP, food defence, food fraud and food safety systems.
  • Experience leading BRC/IFS and major customer audits.
  • Proven experience managing non-conformances, RCA and corrective actions through to completion.
  • Strong understanding of GMP, hygiene and food manufacturing standards.
  • Experience using KPIs to drive improvements in quality, complaints, RFT and hygiene performance.
  • The credibility to challenge standards and influence operational teams.

Desirable:

  • Experience with RSPO or other customer-specific certification standards.
  • Experience supporting NPD, capital projects or new equipment introductions.
  • Budget management experience.
  • Degree-level qualification or equivalent technical experience.


What can they offer you?
This is a great business to join as they really invest in the people and support development and growth. You will be joining a company that really are about their people and collaborative working.

We are seeking applications from talented Technical Managers, Site Technical Leaders, Assistant Technical Managers, Senior Technical Managers or Senior Quality Managers, who live within Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Manchester, Hale, Sale or Trafford Park region.

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 Technical Manager 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 on 0161 399 1575 / 07899 686690 for a confidential discussion, quoting reference CH/TNT/3444.

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.
 

COMMERCIAL/MARKETING

B2B Account Manager

United Kingdom

£50,000 + 10% Bonus + Car Allowance | Home Based | UK Travel Required

Permanent

Location: Remote (approx. 1day per month in Glasgow)
The Opportunity: This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing B2B sales team at a time of continued investment and expansion across both UK and international markets.

Working within the confectionery, inclusions and decorations sector, you'll play a key role in strengthening existing customer partnerships whilst identifying and securing new commercial opportunities. This role offers genuine autonomy and the chance to influence growth across a diverse customer base including bakery, chocolate, ice cream and large food manufacturing businesses.

If you enjoy building long-term relationships, developing commercial strategies and delivering profitable growth, this could be an excellent next step in your career.

The Role
As Key Account Manager, you will lead the growth and development of an established B2B customer portfolio whilst identifying new opportunities to expand market presence.

In this role, you will:

  • Manage and develop key customer relationships to deliver sustainable and profitable sales growth.
  • Identify, target and win new business across food manufacturing, bakery, confectionery and related sectors.
  • Develop and deliver a rolling 12-month strategic plan for your customer portfolio.
  • Lead customer meetings, negotiations and account reviews with key decision-makers.
  • Provide accurate forecasting, reporting and customer insight to support commercial decision-making.
  • Represent the business at trade shows and industry events.
  • Collaborate with colleagues, suppliers, partners and wider group businesses to maximise cross-selling opportunities.

You'll be expected to balance the demands of maintaining strong existing customer relationships whilst proactively driving new business growth. Success will be measured through commercial performance, customer retention and strategic account development.

About You
We're looking for someone with:
Essential

  • Proven B2B sales or account management experience within the food manufacturing industry.
  • Experience selling into bakery, confectionery, chocolate, ice cream or related food sectors.
  • A track record of securing new business and delivering profitable sales growth.
  • Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
  • Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management capabilities.
  • Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

  • Experience working within ingredients, inclusions, decorations or value-added food products.
  • Exposure to international customer accounts.
  • Experience attending and generating opportunities from industry trade shows.

About the Business
Our client is a well-established and highly respected manufacturer supplying confectionery products, inclusions and decorations to customers across the UK and international food manufacturing sectors.

The business combines the agility of a specialist manufacturer with the backing and support of a large international group, creating exciting opportunities for both customers and employees. With continued investment and ambitious growth plans, this is an excellent time to join the organisation.

What's On Offer?
Salary: £50,000
Bonus: 10% Annual Bonus
Pension: Company Pension Scheme
Holiday: 25 Days + Bank Holidays
Healthcare: To be confirmed
Car/Car Allowance: Car Allowance
Other Benefits: Mobile Phone, Laptop, Home-Based Working
Working Pattern: Home based, with approximately one day per month required at the Glasgow office alongside customer visits and business travel.

We are seeking applications from talented Key Account Managers, National Account Managers, Business Development Managers, Sales Managers, Commercial Managers and Account Directors who live within Glasgow, Edinburgh, Motherwell, Paisley, Stirling, Falkirk, Dundee, Perth, Ayr, Dumfries, Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds and surrounding areas.

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 Sales, Commercial or Account Management 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 Matt at True North Talent on 0161 399 1575 for a confidential conversation about the role.

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.
 

Food Manufacturing Industry Specialists

True North Talent are specialists in the food and drink manufacturing industry, with a dedicated and experienced team of experts delivering interim and permanent recruitment solutions to organisations from independent start-ups, SMEs to global food companies. From leveraging our extensive network of experienced professionals to connect your food and drink manufacturing company with your ideal interim hire - to carrying out an exclusive search for your next director level or executive hire, we’ve got you covered.

With our wealth of knowledge in the food and drink manufacturing sector and our relationships with some of the best in the industry, please get in touch to find out more about how we can connect you with your perfect candidate and take your business to the next level.

Food Manufacturing Recruitment Consultants

True North Talent was born from a shared passion for building strong relationships and delivering outstanding talent solutions for the food and drink manufacturing industry. Our mission is simple: to help individuals and businesses realise their true potential.

We know that finding the right talent in your food and drink manufacturing company goes beyond just matching the right skills and experience and understand that, when building successful teams and careers, one size doesn't fit all.  That's why our consultancy solutions are bespoke and tailored to your unique needs and specific goals.

Above all, it’s our unwavering commitment that sets our consultancy apart. We are dedicated to your success and we always go the extra mile to deliver exceptional results.

Are you ready to find your True North?

qualified professionals in our network

placements across the whole food and drinks industry

of our candidates still in their role after 6 months.

average turnaround time to have an interim on site

Specialisms.

We’re not generalists. We know the Food & Drink industry inside & out. That means less time wasted, better cultural fit and a stronger, more motivated workforce. Our network is extensive, our process is streamlined and our results speak for themselves.

View all Specialisms

01

Operations

image

Operations teams drive production efficiency, safety, and quality. It includes planning production lines, managing supply chains, and improving factory operations. Teams hit performance targets, control costs, ensure food safety compliance, and meet retailer demands. Skilled professionals keep production smooth and adapt to market changes. We help companies recruit talent for middle and senior management Operations and Manufacturing roles.

Trusted by the best.

Our priority is to build long lasting relationships built on trust.
These are a few of our clients who have trusted us with their recruitment and who we love working with.

What do people have to say?

See what our clients and candidates have to say about working with us:

View more testimonials

After dealing with TNT for the first time, I have found the customer service skills of the business exceptional.

Ellie has been brilliant as my consultant and her communication throughout the process is been great- highly recommend!

Keep up the good work guys!

 
 

Interim Hygiene Manager

1/20

Emma was great - she checked in regularly and gave me all the information I need to make the transition into a new role seamless.

Very friendly and professional service.

 
 

Head of Technical

1/20

I had an excellent experience with True North Talent throughout the recruitment process. From the very beginning, India was professional, informative, and incredibly supportive. She kept me updated at every stage, provided clear communication, and was always available to answer any questions I had.

India's guidance and encouragement made the entire process smooth and stress-free, and her commitment to finding the right opportunity was evident throughout. I felt valued as a candidate and appreciated the personal approach and genuine care shown along the way.

I would highly recommend True North Talent to anyone looking for a professional, knowledgeable, and supportive recruitment partner. Thank you, India, for making the experience such a positive one.

 
 

Engineering Manager

1/20

Special thanks to Cleo. Works tirelessly and is relentless in securing you that contract, always on the look out when quiet. Always keeping you informed. There's no ghosting in the vocabulary here, unlike some other outfits I've dealt with. Easily the best interim specialists I've dealt with in years.

Personally I look forward to a long lasting professional relationship and I couldn't be happier working with TNT, especially Cleo. Massive appreciation and thanks for all the hard work you put in behind the scenes; it's absolutely not unnoticed.

 
 

Interim Production Manager

1/20

Absolute pleasure to work with Josh who was very attentive & interested in my needs throughout . He came to me with a job that was a perfect fit for me and my career.

I thought that Josh gave great advice, was extremely helpful & professional at all stages of the process. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Josh to anyone currently exploring new opportunities.

Materials Planner

1/20

A first class service from initial contact through to contract. Lots of communication, which has continued beyond starting my contract. Any questions or queries from me and Cleo would have an answer quickly.

Interim HR Advisor

1/20

Amazing company, the professionalism, kindness and support from Carole was outstanding, she made everything happen so smoothly; the best experience ever!

Senior Process Technologist

1/20

Amelia is an outstanding recruiter who truly goes above and beyond. From our very first conversation, it was clear that she not only understood the job market but also took the time to understand my career goals and match me with the perfect opportunity.

Her attention to detail, constant communication, and genuine commitment to my success made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Thanks to her expertise, I secured a job that I absolutely love. If you're looking for a recruiter who is professional, dedicated, and a pleasure to work with, Amelia is the one you need.

Associate Health & Safety Manager

1/20

Amelia was fantastic; frequent communication and kept me up to date throughout the interview process. Even when I had questions that kept popping up in my head, Amelia was there to answer them promptly. Provided all the information that I needed when I needed it.

Highly recommend!

Manufacturing Shift Leader

1/20

Amy has for several years been an excellent recruiter in the Food Industry. Amy's True North Talent secured for me my latest contract, with excellent communication and understanding throughout the process.

Amy's understanding of my own extensive career and the key attributes of the candidate her client required, helped to ensure she connected the right person to the right job.

Interim Project Manager

1/20

Amy supported me 100% through the process of securing my interim role. Throughout the conversations Amy ensured she covered all the aspects that were required/important to me - days per week/hybrid working/location etc.

Nothing was too much trouble. Communication, whether verbally or by email/text, was informative and speedy. Amy, thank you.

Interim NPD Manager

1/20

Amy was recommended to me when I needed help recruiting an interim at short notice. From the moment I reached out, Amy was super helpful, easy to talk to, checked in at regular frequencies and never took her foot off the gas.

We have now found a candidate and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Amy to anyone looking for support recruiting interims!

 

Head of NPD

1/20

An incredible recruiting team, knowledgeable, caring and above all else unlike many other recruiters, they actually contact you if a position you applied for was not successful. They treat you with the respect you deserve.

They learn about you and speak with you as a credible and knowledgeable person, an actual conversation that feels real. They are there to help you no matter the time or day. You feel as though you’re valued and not just another tick in the box.

A recruitment company that cares and respects!!!

Hygiene Manager

1/20

As a company, we have worked with Amelia on many roles across our company and sites and across a very broad range of functional areas.
Amelia has an excellent ability to grasp the story behind our company and our recruitment needs, and hence the fit required both at company and at specific team levels.

This results in us receiving highly tailored, and hence highly appropriate, candidate shortlists, minimising the time and effort we need to allocate to the process.

From a personal perspective, Amelia is a pleasure to deal with. Communication is excellent, and Amelia always does what she says she is going to do (a rarity in recruitment!).  We certainly would always look to True North Talent for our recruitment needs – and Amelia will always be my first port of call.

Technical Director

1/20

Carole did an amazing job helping us source a new member of the team. Sending candidates with the required skills and knowledge, there was no flooding of unsuitable candidates, which was really refreshing. I felt Carole really understood our business culture too, as this is a huge part  of who we are and essential to the candidate succeeding.

Highly recommend True North Talent and is my first port of call now. 

HR Manager

1/20

Carole was fantastic, found a great opportunity for me.

Thank you

Shift Manager

1/20

Carole was my consultant. She is a nice lady and very helpful. She called me to discuss the job and after this our journey started. She gave me all the details about the job, was always available when I needed her and making sure that everything was ok.

Highly recommend, such a pleasure to work with Carole. Thank you Carole, we will keep in touch!

Production Manager

1/20

I worked with Amy on my recent assignment. I can safely say she has restored my faith in the world of recruitment consulting. Professional, open and honest and a great asset to her business.

Keep up the great work.

Interim Engineering Manager

1/20

Absolutely fantastic to work with. Carole was so friendly and personable. Would definitely recommend True North Talent again and again. The attention that is paid to actually listen to what you want from a job and to understand your needs is a breath of fresh air.

Thank you for helping me secure a position that I am so looking forward to starting. True North Talent (Carole) thank you for helping me find light in a pretty dark tunnel.  It has been a pleasure to work with you. 

Technical Services Lead

1/20

Emma Symonds has been an absolutely pleasure to work with!. She was friendly, personable and asked thought provoking questions to ensure I was well suited for the organization.

Would highly recommend connecting with Emma.

General Manager

1/20

What our clients say.

Reviews left by the clients and candidates we have worked with, straight from our Google Business Profile.

Our reviews are shown through Google and need cookies to load. Use the button below to accept cookies and see them here, or read all our reviews on Google.

Frequently Asked Questions.

HOW DO YOU SCREEN YOUR CANDIDATES?

  • All candidates undergo a thorough screening process, including in-depth interviews, reference checks, and sector-specific assessments to ensure the best fit for you.

WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT TRUE NORTH TALENT?

  • We’re sector specialists, not generalists. Our team has hands-on experience in the food and drink industry, allowing us to offer unmatched insights and understanding.

HOW QUICKLY CAN YOU FILL A ROLE?

  • With our True North Interim solution, we can often present qualified, available candidates within hours. Literally!

DO YOU SUPPORT ANY CHARITABLE CAUSES?

  • For every successful placement, we have pledged to donate 200 meals to families in need in support of FareShare, the UK’s longest running food redistribution charity.

Latest Insights.

Read More Insights

Explore our latest market insights on all things food and drink manufacturing.

How Packaging Innovation and Waste Reduction Are Changing Technical Roles

How Packaging Innovation and Waste Reduction Are Changing Technical Roles

Packaging used to be somebody else's decision. Marketing wanted shelf stand-out, NPD wanted the barrier properties, procurement wanted the price. Technical checked the declarations, signed it off and moved on to the next thing. That's over. Your packaging specification now carries a per-tonne cost; the size of that cost depends on how recyclable the pack is, and the person who has to evidence the classification works in your technical team.

Overcoming Skills Shortages: Integrating Robotics and Quality Control Tech on the Factory Floor

Overcoming Skills Shortages: Integrating Robotics and Quality Control Tech on the Factory Floor

The new robotic palletiser gets signed off in February and runs beautifully until a Sunday night in May, when it throws a fault nobody on site has seen before. Your shift engineer works through the obvious checks. The OEM's helpline opens at nine on Monday. Two lines are backed up until then, and there's a delivery vehicle booked for six in the morning.  That's the gap between bringing in automation and being able to run it. It's also the reason a lot of food manufacturers are getting less out of their capital spend than the business case promised.

How specialist recruiters reduce downtime across critical site leads and technical roles

How specialist recruiters reduce downtime across critical site leads and technical roles

Your Engineering Manager resigns on a Friday afternoon. By Monday you've briefed three agencies. By Wednesday you're looking at twenty-two CVs, and eighteen of them have never set foot in a food environment. You've now lost most of a week and you're no closer to filling the role. The line is still running, the planned maintenance schedule is already slipping, and your Operations Manager has picked up a second job on top of their own. This is the point where the difference between a generalist agency and a specialist recruiter stops being a procurement preference and starts costing you output.

Want to know more

If you want to know more about how we can support your food and drink manufacturing company in strengthening your Interim and Permanent roles, please get in touch with True North Talent today. 

Email: info@truenorthtalent.co.uk

Tel: 0161 399 1575

 

 

Get in touch with us..

Use this form to send us a message, and we’ll get back to you shortly.