Executive Consultant
Carole Hearn is a specialist Food & Drink Manufacturing recruiter and head-hunter with over 20 years' experience, specialising in middle and senior management permanent hiring and executive recruitment across Operations, Technical & Quality, NPD, Supply Chain, Engineering, Continuous Improvement and Commercial.
I feel incredibly lucky to work in an industry that excites me and I have a real interest in. I love how the market changes to meet consumers demand for new concepts, tastes and flavours. Who wouldn’t want to discuss food and drink all day long?
From the initial meetings with my clients to those I have met and worked with multiple times, I have the same enthusiasm from that first call as I do 22 years later.
I love seeing candidates grow through their careers and go from their early roles to senior levels within their disciplines. It has also been an absolute pleasure to place candidates on multiple occasions throughout their career.
Outside of work I love to eat out with friends and look forward to trying new restaurants as they open in the area. I also love to travel and have been lucky to visit some fabulous countries and destinations.
Home life is in the suburbs (I spent 17 years in the City Centre before this). I love where I live and the fact I am just 10 minutes from the city centre by train for work is perfect. I am an animal lover and have 2 British Short Hair cats.
Use this form to send us a message, and we’ll get back to you shortly.
Senior Process Technologist
1/20
HR Manager
1/20
Shift Manager
1/20
Production Manager
1/20
Technical Services Lead
1/20
Quality Compliance Manager
1/20
Shift Production Manager
1/20
Plant Manager
1/20
Production Manager
1/20
CI Manager
1/20
HSE Manager
1/20
Health & Safety Manager
1/20
Shift Manager
1/20
Maintenance Manager
1/20
Technical Manager
1/20
Compliance & Document Technologist
1/20
CI Manager
1/20
Regional HSE Advisor
1/20
Health & Safety Manager
1/20
The best experience ever. Carole helped me during the process and updated me on the progress.
Thank you and keep up the good work.
Health & Safety Manager
1/20
Explore our latest market insights on all things food and drink manufacturing.
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?
What we're looking for
Essential
Desirable
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.
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?
What we're looking for
Essential
Desirable
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.
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:
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:
Desirable:
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.
Republic of Ireland
€75,000 - €90,000 plus Benefits
Permanent
Location: Republic of Ireland
The opportunity: An excellent opportunity for an experienced technical leader to take strategic ownership of food safety, quality and compliance across a substantial food manufacturing operation.
Reporting to the Food Safety & Quality Director, you'll work closely with senior leadership and site teams to strengthen standards, drive continuous improvement and develop a strong culture of food safety and quality.
This is a role where you can genuinely influence the operation rather than simply maintain existing systems.
The role
You'll lead the Food Safety & Quality agenda across the retail operation, managing and developing a small FSQ team and working closely with Operations, NPD, Engineering and other senior stakeholders.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading the food safety and quality strategy across the operation.
Ensuring compliance with HACCP, BRC/GFSI, GMP, legislation and customer standards.
Leading audits and relationships with customers, regulators and other external stakeholders.
Driving continuous improvement, risk management and effective root cause analysis.
Developing and coaching the FSQ team and building future capability.
Working with Operations and NPD to ensure food safety and quality requirements are embedded across the business.
Developing food safety performance measures and driving accountability across the site.
Supporting business continuity and operational risk management.
Occasional travel will be required.
What we're looking for
Essential
Senior Food Safety & Quality experience within food manufacturing.
Strong knowledge of HACCP, BRC/GFSI, GMP and food safety legislation.
Experience working with retail customers and managing customer/audit requirements.
Proven experience leading FSQ teams and driving continuous improvement.
Strong risk management, RCA and corrective action experience.
Confident working with senior stakeholders and influencing operational teams.
Desirable
Lead Auditor qualification.
Food Science, Food Technology or related qualification.
Quality or Continuous Improvement qualification.
What's in it for you?
A genuine senior leadership position with significant influence.
Opportunity to shape the Food Safety & Quality strategy.
Direct exposure to senior leadership and key customers.
Scope to develop and coach an FSQ team.
The opportunity to make meaningful improvements across a substantial food manufacturing operation.
Why True North Talent?
We're specialists in food and drink manufacturing recruitment, so we understand the roles, businesses and challenges within the sector.
Interested?
If you're an experienced Food Safety & Quality leader and this sounds like the kind of opportunity you're looking for, we'd love to have a confidential conversation about the role and the business behind it. Please send your CV quoting re CH/TNT/3421 or call 0161 399 1575 / 07899 686690 for a confidential discussion.
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. The company cannot offer sponsorship. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
Greater Manchester
c£50,000 - £60,000 per year, depending on experience
Permanent
Location: Greater Manchester
Overview: Great opportunity for a Senior Packaging Technologist to join a leading food manufacturer in this unique opportunity. Whilst there is no guarantee, as they are part of a group, there may be opportunities elsewhere after the contract finishes. This is a busy, demanding role where you will need to hit the ground running.
About You:
• As a Senior Packaging Technologist, you will need to demonstrate strong packaging experience, ideally within flexible packaging and corrugate.
• You will be delivery focused, with determination, self-motivation, drive and a strong instinct to look for efficiency in the way you work and the products you develop.
• You will have a strong presence and exceptional influencing skills, with the confidence to project yourself well and build trust and credibility as the packaging expert within the business.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative approach. You will be comfortable working closely with colleagues across the business, manufacturing teams, suppliers and customers.
• This is a fast-paced business that can often operate more like a start-up, so you will need plenty of energy, be adaptable and comfortable when priorities change or projects need to move in a different direction.
• You will be resilient and comfortable working in an environment where expectations are high and feedback is direct. As the key packaging contact within the business, you will be happy working independently, taking ownership and dealing with a varied and sometimes challenging workload.
What will you be doing?
• Deliver packaging expertise across the business to ensure they are legal and compliant.
• Executes development projects to meet the business needs for sustainability, innovation, cost reduction and quality improvements.
• Ensure that quality expectations are met in terms of packaging quality and performance.
• As Packaging Technologist, you will be supporting projects where packing expertise is required.
• Create packaging briefs for existing and innovation pipeline.
• Working closely with all departments, suppliers and customers.
What can they offer you?
This is a great business to work for. Opportunities exist within not only your department but in the wider business too.
We are seeking applications from talented Packaging Technologists, Senior Packaging Technologists, Packaging Technologists, Materials & Packaging Technologists and Packaging Innovation Technologists who live within Greater Manchester and surrounding areas, such as Bolton, Oldham Bury, Rochdale, Stockport, Cheshire and Warrington.
How to Apply
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting re CH/TNT/3356 or call 0161 399 1575 / 07899 686690 for a confidential discussion.
True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across food manufacturing Operations Jobs, food manufacturing Engineering jobs, food manufacturing Technical jobs, food manufacturing NPD jobs, food manufacturing Supply Chain jobs and food manufacturing Commercial jobs. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.
We are only able to consider candidates who have the full legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
Greater Manchester
c£40,000 per year
Permanent
Location: Greater Manchester
Overview: This is a great opportunity for an experienced Hygiene Shift Manager/Hygiene Team Leader to join a well-established food manufacturing business. This is an established site and while it is part of a group, it does have a family feel and low staff turnover.
Shifts: Day Shifts
You will report to the Hygiene Manager and manage a team, ensuring effective hygiene standards are delivered across the factory.
About you…
What will you be doing?
So, what can they offer you?
You’ll be joining a business that places food safety, hygiene, and compliance at the heart of its operation. This role offers responsibility, influence, and the opportunity to make a real impact on site standards, culture, and continuous improvement within a progressive food manufacturing environment. There will be scope to develop your career further with a company that promotes a culture of growth.
We are keen to speak with Hygiene Shift Managers, Hygiene Supervisors and Hygiene Team Leaders based within Greater Manchester and surrounding areas, such as Bolton, Oldham Bury, Rochdale, Cheshire and Warrington.
How to Apply
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting re CH/TNT/3360 or call 0161 399 1575 / 07899 686690 for a confidential discussion.
True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across food manufacturing Operations Jobs, food manufacturing Engineering jobs, food manufacturing Technical jobs, food manufacturing NPD jobs, food manufacturing Supply Chain jobs and food manufacturing Commercial jobs. 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. The company cannot offer sponsorship. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
South Yorkshire
c£40,000 -45,000 per year
Permanent
Location: South Yorkshire
Overview: This is a rare opportunity to join a strong technical team, and an exciting time to join a great business who are going from strength to strength.
The Role:
• Interpreting customer codes of practice, ensuring that all new products comply with all legal safety, authenticity, quality, and customer requirements
• Maintain site QMS and associated documentation in line with changes to legislation, customer and industry standards/codes of practice to assure compliance.
• The Technical Services Manager will work predominantly, and very closely with the Technical Manager, New Product Development Manager, commercial and production teams, as well as liaising with team colleagues and other departments.
• Creating and approving customer packaging requirements
• Preparing and attending customer meetings, providing technical support for new product submissions
Experience Required:
• Degree in Food Science or similar with experience in technical services in a fast-paced food environment.
• The Technical Services Manager will need Lead Auditor/Internal Auditing experience.
• Experience of working in technical services within a food manufacturing environment
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and highly organised, with the ability to balance day-to-day needs with long-term objectives.
Company Overview:
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a forward thinking, proactive and innovative company with recent investment which has resulted in strong and stable growth. This company have a collaborative culture and a focus on progression and development for every level of the business.
We are seeking applications from talented Technical Service Managers, Compliance Managers and Quality Assurance Managers, Technical Systems Managers, Technical Support & Compliance Managers who live within Sheffield, Huddersfield, Pontefract, Rotherham and the surrounding South Yorkshire areas.
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting reference CH/TNT/3330 to carole@truenorthtalent.co.uk or phone 0161 399 1575/ 07899 686690 for a confidential discussion.
True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across Operations/Engineering/Technical/NPD/Supply Chain and Commercial. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.
We are only able to consider candidates who have the full legal right to work in the UK Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
North-East
£60,000 - 65,000 per year
Permanent
Location: North-East
Overview: We’re looking for a commercially driven and relationship-focused Supply Chain Manager to join a growing and forward-thinking food business based in the North East. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact - leading key category strategies, managing customers, and supporting the company’s growth plans.
About You:
What will you be doing?
What can they offer you?
You’ll be joining a growing food business that’s proud of its strong culture, supportive team environment, and genuine passion for great food. The company values collaboration, innovation and doing things the right way - with plenty of opportunity to make your mark and influence how the supply chain function evolves.
We’re keen to hear from talented Supply Chain Managers, Commercial Supply Chain Managers, End to End Supply Chain Managers and Supply Chain Professionals based in or around the North-East - South Shields, Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead or Sunderland.
How to Apply
If this sounds like the next step for you, please send your CV quoting ref CH/TNT/3346 or call Carole on 0161 399 1575 for a confidential chat.
True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across food manufacturing Operations Jobs, food manufacturing Engineering jobs, food manufacturing Technical jobs, food manufacturing NPD jobs, food manufacturing Supply Chain jobs and food manufacturing Commercial jobs.
We are only able to consider candidates who have the full legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
Tyne & Wear
£60,000 - £65,000 per year
Permanent
Location: Tyne and Wear
Overview: A leading and growing food company is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead and develop their site technical function. This is a key leadership role, responsible for driving food safety, quality standards, BRC compliance and continuous improvement across the business.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on Technical Manager who thrives in a busy manufacturing environment and is passionate about developing strong food safety cultures while supporting future business growth.
About You:
• Experienced Technical Manager with a strong background within food manufacturing, ideally chilled food production.
• As Technical Manger, you will have experience within a Technical or Quality Assurance function, with proven experience managing teams and technical operations.
• Degree level qualification in Food Science or a related subject, with Food Safety Level 3, HACCP Level 3 and Internal Auditor training essential.
• Strong knowledge of BRC Global Food Safety Standards, retailer requirements, customer audits and managing technical compliance.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to influence across all levels of the business, drive improvements and embed a strong food safety culture.
What will you be doing?
• Leading the Technical Department, including QA, Quality Management, Process and Hygiene functions, ensuring all products meet safety, quality and legal requirements.
• Managing and improving the site’s food safety management systems, including HACCP, BRC compliance, audits, root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
• As Technical Manager, you will be driving the site’s Quality KPIs, identifying opportunities for improvement and working collaboratively with wider teams to improve performance year on year.
• Leading internal, customer and third-party audits, managing non-conformances and ensuring effective corrective and preventative actions are implemented.
• Supporting product development and launches, ensuring products meet customer specifications, regulatory requirements and site standards.
What can they offer you?
• The opportunity to join a successful and growing food manufacturing business in a key leadership position.
• A role with significant influence, allowing you to shape technical strategy and develop a strong food safety culture across the site.
• The chance to work with major customers and stakeholders while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives across the wider European business.
• A supportive environment with opportunities for career development and progression.
• The opportunity to be part of a business committed to maintaining high standards across food safety, quality and operational excellence.
We are seeking applications from talented Technical Managers, Senior Technical Managers, Quality Managers, Technical Quality Managers, Head of Technical, Technical Services Managers, QA Managers and Food Safety Managers who live within Tyne & Wear, South Shields, Tyneside, Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and the surrounding areas.
How to Apply
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting ref CH/TNT/3345. or call 0161 399 1575 / 07899 686690 for a confidential discussion.
True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across food manufacturing Operations Jobs, food manufacturing Engineering jobs, food manufacturing Technical jobs, food manufacturing NPD jobs, food manufacturing Supply Chain jobs and food manufacturing Commercial jobs. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.
We are only able to consider candidates who have the full legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
info@truenorthtalent.co.uk
0161 399 1575
Orega Serviced Offices,
1 Balloon Street,
Manchester,
M4 4BE
Company Registration: 14987603
VAT Number: 449301888
