Josh Ozdemir

Location: Bristol or London
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday

Overview: Ready to take ownership of business critical data and processes and make a genuine impact across a growing food manufacturing business?
We’re working with an established food manufacturer looking to appoint a Business Process & Master Data Manager into a newly created position within its Programme & Change function.

This is a broad, influential role combining master data, costing assurance, process improvement and business change, with the opportunity to make a real difference to how the business operates.

You’ll be responsible for improving the quality, ownership and use of master data across the business, helping teams work more efficiently, make better decisions and rely on accurate, consistent information.

Why this role?
This is not a role where you’ll simply maintain spreadsheets or administer data.
You’ll have the opportunity to influence how master data, costing and business processes are managed across the organisation, working with senior stakeholders, functional leaders, data owners, Finance, Food, IT and Data teams.

Around 40% of the role will focus on Food master data and costing assurance, including validating information, investigating discrepancies and understanding how product, recipe, ingredient and labour data impacts costing and operational decisions.
A further 40% will focus on master data strategy, governance and improvement, giving you ownership of standards, controls, data ownership and improvement roadmaps.

The remaining 20% will involve supporting projects and business change, ensuring that master data requirements, ownership and process impacts are properly considered when new systems, processes or ways of working are introduced.

You’ll report to the Programme & Change Manager but for yourself there are no direct reports, so this is a role where your impact will come through stakeholder management, expertise, challenge and influence, rather than traditional line management.

What will you be doing?
You’ll take ownership of a broad business process and master data remit, including:

• Managing and validating Food master data, ensuring information is accurate from the outset and flows correctly into costing, reporting and operational processes.
• Providing costing assurance and investigating discrepancies across P74 and Syspro.
• Developing a strong understanding of standard costing and labour models, identifying and explaining costing anomalies.
• Working with NPD, Finance and operational teams to investigate root causes and resolve recurring issues.
• Embedding clear data, costing and approval controls across Food and Innovation processes.
• Acting as the business subject matter expert for master data within the Innovation process.
• Identifying process weaknesses that lead to costing errors, delays, duplicated effort or unreliable reporting.

About the business
Our client is an established food manufacturing business with a complex operational environment where accurate product, ingredient, recipe, costing and operational data is critical to the way the business performs.

As the business continues to develop its processes, systems and ways of working, this newly created position will play an important role in strengthening the foundations around data quality, governance and process control.

You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders including the Finance Director, Head of Food, functional leaders, business data owners and administrators, as well as IT, Data and external Syspro specialists.

What are they looking for?
Essential

• Experience improving and embedding cross-functional business processes within a complex operational environment.
• Experience working with master data or business-critical information such as product, ingredient, recipe, costing, customer, supplier or operational data.
• Experience validating information, investigating discrepancies and improving controls at source.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across senior, operational and specialist teams.
• The ability to translate unclear business problems into practical requirements and improvement plans.
• Strong root-cause analysis skills and experience addressing recurring data or process issues.

Desirable

• Experience within food manufacturing, FMCG, retail supply chain, NPD, technical, quality, supply chain or commercial operations.
• Experience working in a regulated or audited environment where product, allergen, nutritional, packaging or customer-facing information needs to be tightly controlled.
• Exposure to ERP, MRP, PIM, PLM, workflow, reporting or integration projects.
• Experience in continuous improvement, Lean, business analysis, process mapping or project delivery.
• Experience establishing data governance, ownership models, governance forums or cross-functional improvement roadmaps.
• Understanding of Power BI, reporting datasets or data platforms from a business-user or requirements perspective.

What’s in it for you?

• £55,000 salary plus bonus & benefits.
• A newly created position with genuine scope to shape the role and its impact across the business.
• The opportunity to influence master data strategy, governance and business processes rather than simply manage existing systems.
• Broad exposure across Finance, Food, IT, Data, Innovation and wider operational functions.
• The opportunity to become a key subject matter expert for Food master data and costing.
• A role with significant autonomy and the opportunity to challenge existing ways of working.
• The chance to play a key role in business change and improvement projects.

Why speak to True North Talent?
We're specialists in food and drink manufacturing recruitment, so we understand the operational, technical, commercial and supply chain environments in which these roles sit.

If you’re a Business Process Manager, Master Data Manager, Business Analyst, Continuous Improvement professional or process-focused data specialist looking for a role where you can take genuine ownership and influence how a business operates, we’d love to have a confidential conversation.

Interested?
If you have the desired experience, please send your CV quoting ref JO/TNT/3426, or call 0161 399 1575 / 07830 944145 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 at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: London
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday
Overview: Passionate about food and want to play a key role in turning creative concepts into commercially viable products?
We’re working with a category leading food business looking to appoint a Concept Technologist to join its NPD team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a food focused technologist to work closely with Development Chefs and NPD Manager, helping take new food concepts from the initial brief through development, feasibility and ultimately into process handover.

You’ll sit at the heart of the development process, acting as the link between the creative side of food development and the wider technical, commercial and operational teams.

It’s a varied role combining food development, costing, raw material sourcing, product feasibility, process understanding and stakeholder management, giving you exposure to the full journey of bringing new food to life.

Why this role?
This isn’t a role where you’ll be purely focused on paperwork or technical compliance.

You’ll be working closely with chefs to help turn creative ideas into products that are great tasting, commercially viable and capable of being produced successfully at scale.

You’ll play an important role in making sure concepts are properly costed, recipes and processes are accurately set up, ingredients are sourced appropriately and production implications are considered early in the development process.

You’ll also become a key point of contact between Development Chefs, NPD/EPD, Procurement, Technical, Operations and Supply Chain, giving you visibility across the wider business and the opportunity to influence how new products move through development.

For someone who genuinely loves food and wants to build their career within new product development, it offers the chance to work alongside experienced chefs while developing a much broader understanding of the commercial and operational side of food development.

What will you be doing?
You’ll support the NPD and EPD Managers across the new food development process, including:

• Working closely with Development Chefs to ensure recipes are accurately set up and appropriately reflected within P74.
• Supporting accurate process set up, packaging understanding, labour assumptions and theoretical concept data.
• Working with site teams to validate labour models and understand production requirements.
• Ensuring new food is developed in line with brand values and nutritional guidelines.
• Preparing and delivering professional food presentations covering recipes, ingredients, costs, brand values, nutritionals and cooking methods.
• Completing concept development documentation accurately and within agreed timescales.
• Developing clear ingredient briefs and ensuring sourcing activity remains aligned with project critical paths.

About the business
Our client is an established food manufacturer with a strong focus on developing high-quality, commercially successful food products.

The NPD team brings together chefs, technologists and wider business functions to develop new concepts from the earliest stages through to operational handover.

This role sits at the centre of that process, working across Food Development, Procurement, Technical, Operations and Supply Chain to make sure creative ideas can ultimately become commercially and operationally viable products.

It’s an opportunity to join a collaborative development environment where food quality, creativity and commercial thinking all need to come together.

What are they looking for?
Essential

• A genuine passion for food, ingredients and new product development.
• Experience working within either NPD or EPD programmes.
• A Food Technology, Food Science or similar degree would be advantageous.
• Experience working with recipes, ingredients, costing or food development processes.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to understand and work with COGS and pricing.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple development activities simultaneously.
• Confident communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with chefs, technical specialists, procurement, supply chain and operational teams.

Desirable

• Experience within chilled food manufacturing, particularly chilled meals.
• Experience working alongside Development Chefs or within a chef led NPD environment.
• Experience with P74 or similar product development / costing systems.
• Experience with raw material sourcing and ingredient specifications.
• Experience with shelf-life testing, benchmarking and product tastings.
• Understanding of packaging, nutritional and labelling considerations.
• Experience supporting process improvement or implementing new ways of working.

What’s in it for you?

• £40,000 salary plus bonus & benefits.
• Exposure to the full new food development process, from concept brief through to process handover.
• The opportunity to develop your commercial understanding alongside your food and technical expertise.
• Genuine involvement in bringing new food concepts to life rather than simply supporting one part of the process.
• A role where your ideas, attention to detail and understanding of food can directly influence the success of new products.
• Scope to take ownership of projects and develop your experience within a growing food development environment.

Why speak to True North Talent?
We're specialists in food and drink manufacturing recruitment, so we understand the development, culinary, technical, commercial and manufacturing landscape you're working in.

If you’re a Concept Technologist, NPD Technologist, Development Technologist, Food Technologist or food-focused NPD professional looking for a role where you can work closely with chefs and gain broader exposure across the product development process, we’d love to have a confidential conversation.

Interested?
If you have the desired experience, please send your CV quoting ref JO/TNT/3424, or call 0161 399 1575 / 07830 944145 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 at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: London
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday

Overview: Passionate about food and want to play a hands on role in turning new product concepts into successful, repeatable production?
We’re working with a well trusted client food manufacturer looking to appoint a Process Technologist to join its NPD team.

This role is hands on and supports the development journey from initial concept through production trials, launch and post-launch, making sure new food can be produced consistently, efficiently and to the required quality standards.

Whilst having a strong presence within the kitchen, a major part of the role will be leading production trials - making sure everyone is aligned, objectives are clear, trials are properly planned and the resulting product meets the agreed quality and sign-off standards.

Why this role?
This is much more than a documentation or NPD support position.
You’ll lead production trials, organise validations, run tastings and provide clear recommendations following each trial. You’ll then continue supporting products through launch and into post-launch, helping production and technical teams maintain the required quality.

There’s also a strong problem-solving element to the role. When production or process issues arise, you’ll be involved in understanding what has happened, identifying root causes and helping implement practical solutions.

For someone who enjoys being close to food, people and manufacturing, it offers the opportunity to develop broad experience across NPD, process technology, food quality, manufacturing trials and continuous improvement.

What will you be doing?

You’ll support the NPD/EPD & Process Manager throughout the development process, including:

• Leading production trials and ensuring all stakeholders are aligned throughout each stage of the project.
• Planning trials against agreed critical paths and working closely with Planning to ensure the required resources and timings are in place.
• Leading pre and post trial meetings and ensuring effective cross-functional engagement.
• Setting clear objectives for each trial and communicating recommendations, outcomes and next steps.
• Organising and completing product validations including organoleptic, cooking, freezer and transit testing.
• Ensuring product costings are accurate and updated on P74 throughout development.

About the business
Our client is an established food business with a strong focus on developing and producing high-quality food products.

The NPD team works across chefs, technologists and wider business functions to take new concepts from development through to successful operational launch.

This Process Technologist role is a key part of that journey, ensuring that new products are not only great from a food perspective, but can also be validated, produced consistently and delivered successfully within the manufacturing environment.

The role also gives you the opportunity to work with a broad range of teams including Head of Food, Development Chefs, Technical, Production, Procurement and Supply Chain.


What are they looking for?
Essential

• Experience working within either NPD or EPD programmes.
• Previous experience within food manufacturing.
• Experience within chilled meals would be advantageous.
• HACCP Level 2.
• Food Technology, Food Science or a similar degree.
• Experience supporting or leading production trials.
• Strong understanding of food quality and manufacturing processes.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and a highly accurate approach to documentation and systems.

Desirable

• Experience taking products from NPD through production trials and into launch.
• Experience with shelf life, cooking, freezer or transit validations.
• Experience with P74 and/or Syspro.
• Having previously worked with food quality audits and BRC requirements.
• Experience in process improvement or continuous improvement.
• Experience investigating material variance, process issues or production quality problems.
• Experience delivering training to production or technical teams.

What’s in it for you?

• £35,000 salary plus bonus & benefits.
• A hands-on role covering the full journey from concept through trials, launch and post-launch.
• Significant exposure to food manufacturing, process technology, quality and NPD.
• The opportunity to lead production trials and directly influence how new products are manufactured.
• A varied role combining food development with problem solving, process improvement and operational support.
• The opportunity to develop your project management and stakeholder management skills.
• The chance to work on new food products and see your work progress from development kitchen through to production.
• A role where you can make a visible contribution to food quality and manufacturing performance.

Why speak to True North Talent?
We're specialists in food and drink manufacturing recruitment, so we understand the development, culinary, technical, quality and manufacturing landscape you're working in.

If you’re a Process Technologist, NPD Technologist, Food Technologist, Development Technologist or food manufacturing professional looking for a hands-on role where you can work across product trials, manufacturing and continuous improvement, we’d love to have a confidential conversation.

Interested?
If you have the desired experience, please send your CV quoting ref JO/TNT/3425, or call 0161 399 1575 / 07830 944145 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 at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: North-West London
Overview: We are seeking an experienced and driven Continuous Improvement Manager to join a leading food manufacturing business in London. Reporting directly to the General Manager, you'll take ownership of the site's Continuous Improvement strategy, driving Operational Excellence and embedding a culture of Lean Manufacturing across the business.

As a key member of the Leadership Team, you'll work cross functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Technical, Production, Finance and HR to improve safety, quality, service, cost and people performance. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands on CI professional who thrives on delivering measurable improvements, leading change and developing teams to achieve operational excellence.

About you…

• Proven experience delivering Continuous Improvement programmes within a food manufacturing or fast paced FMCG environment.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence and structured problem-solving methodologies, including Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys and Process Mapping.
• The Continuous Improvement Manager will have experience leading cross-functional improvement projects and embedding sustainable cultural change.
• Highly analytical with strong data interpretation skills and advanced Microsoft Excel capability.
• Excellent communication, coaching and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the business.

What will you be doing?

• Leading the site's Continuous Improvement strategy, ensuring projects align with business objectives and deliver measurable operational improvements.
• Driving Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence initiatives across all departments to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost and people performance.
• Leading structured problem-solving workshops using Lean tools such as Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, Standard Work and Visual Management.
• Analysing operational data and KPIs to identify performance gaps, waste reduction opportunities and productivity improvements.
• Managing cross-functional improvement and transformation projects from concept through to implementation, ensuring benefits are delivered and sustained.
• Developing performance dashboards, reporting progress to the Leadership Team and building robust business cases for improvement initiatives.
• As Continuous Improvement Manager, you will be coaching managers and teams to develop Continuous Improvement capability and embed a culture of accountability and operational excellence.
• Building strong working relationships across Engineering, Supply Chain, Technical, Finance, HR and Operations to drive collaboration and continuous improvement across the site.

So, what can they offer you?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established and growing food manufacturing business where Continuous Improvement is at the heart of its operational strategy.

You'll become a key member of the Leadership Team with genuine influence over the site's future direction, leading business wide improvement initiatives that deliver tangible operational and financial benefits. The business is committed to investing in its people, systems and processes, providing the autonomy and support needed to make a real impact.

Whether your passion lies in Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, change management or developing high-performing teams, this role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a busy manufacturing site while progressing your own career within a successful and ambitious organisation.

We are keen to speak with experienced Continuous Improvement Managers, Operational Excellence Managers, Lean Managers, CI Managers, Manufacturing Excellence Managers, Lean Six Sigma Managers, Operational Improvement Managers, Project Managers or Operations Managers from the food manufacturing or FMCG sectors who are based in London, Croydon, Dartford, Bromley, Watford, Enfield, Slough, St Albans, Chelmsford or the surrounding areas.

How to Apply
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting ref JO/TNT/3318 or call 0161 399 1575 / 07830 944145 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 at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: Greater Manchester
Overview: We are recruiting an experienced Supply Chain Planning Manager to join a growing and successful food manufacturing business. Reporting directly to the Head of Supply Chain, you'll lead the Planning, Demand Planning and Materials teams, ensuring accurate forecasting, efficient production planning and seamless material availability across the site.

This is a key leadership role where you'll work cross functionally with Commercial, Operations, Technical, NPD, Logistics and Finance to deliver excellent customer service while optimising inventory, capacity and labour. You'll play a pivotal role in driving continuous improvement, reducing working capital and helping shape the future Supply Chain strategy within the business.

About you…

• Proven experience as a Planning Manager, Supply Chain Planning Manager or Supply Chain Manager within food manufacturing.
• Experience leading and developing planning, demand planning or materials teams.
• Strong understanding of production planning, forecasting, inventory management and capacity planning.
• As Supply Chain Planning Manager, you will have excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across multiple departments and customers.
• Highly analytical, organised and methodical with a proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.

What will you be doing?

• Leading the Planning, Demand Planning and Materials teams to deliver accurate production plans that maximise service levels and operational efficiency.
• Working closely with Commercial teams and key retail customers to develop accurate forecasts and ensure production plans meet customer demand.
• The Supply Chain Planning Manager will be managing material planning and supplier lead times to ensure all raw materials and packaging are available to support production schedules.
• Collaborating with NPD, Technical, Operations, Warehouse and Logistics teams to ensure successful product launches and effective management of critical paths.
• Managing promotional planning, seasonal demand and capacity planning to maintain product availability while optimising factory performance.
• Monitoring inventory levels, managing SKU changes and packaging run-outs to minimise waste and reduce working capital.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives across Supply Chain processes while supporting the implementation of new ways of working and strategic business objectives.
• Coaching, developing and motivating the Supply Chain team through regular performance reviews, objectives and ongoing support.

So, what can they offer you?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a successful and growing food manufacturing business where Supply Chain plays a central role in delivering operational excellence and outstanding customer service.

You'll become part of a collaborative senior leadership team, working across the business to influence strategy, improve planning processes and drive continuous improvement. The business is committed to investing in its people and systems, giving you the autonomy to make a genuine impact while developing your own career.

If you enjoy leading high performing teams, improving planning accuracy and creating efficient supply chain processes within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, this is a fantastic opportunity to take the next step in your career.

We are keen to speak with experienced Supply Chain Planning Managers, Planning Managers, Supply Chain Managers, Demand Planning Managers, Materials Managers, Production Planning Managers, Supply Chain Leads or Senior Planners from the food manufacturing or FMCG sectors who are based in Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Warrington, Wigan, Blackburn, Preston or the surrounding areas.

How to Apply
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting ref JO/TNT/3327 or call 0161 399 1575 / 07830 944145 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 at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: South Yorkshire
Overview: We are recruiting an experienced and hands-on Production Manager to join a well-established food manufacturing business specialising in fresh meat processing. Reporting directly to the Factory Manager, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day butchery operation, leading production teams to deliver exceptional standards of food safety, quality, efficiency, and customer service.

This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring production targets are achieved while maintaining compliance with UK food legislation, BRCGS standards, HACCP principles, and retailer requirements. You'll play a vital role in developing people, driving continuous improvement, maximising yields, and creating a culture where safety, quality, and operational excellence come first.

About you…

• The successful Production Manager will be Food Safety Level 3 or 4 qualified with HACCP Level 3 as a minimum.
• Proven experience leading production within a meat processing or butchery environment.
• Strong knowledge of meat yields, cutting specifications, labour planning, and cost control.
• Excellent understanding of BRCGS, HACCP, GMP, UK food legislation, and retailer standards.
• Experience working with major UK retailers would be highly advantageous.

What will you be doing?

• Leading the daily butchery and packing operations to deliver production plans safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.
• Managing Production Supervisors and production teams, ensuring high performance through coaching, development, and accountability.
• Ensuring compliance with all food safety, legal, and customer requirements, including BRCGS, HACCP, Red Tractor, and retailer standards.
• As Production Manager, you will be driving labour planning, productivity, and cost control to meet operational and budgetary targets.
• Monitoring production performance through KPIs, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, yield, and quality.
• Promoting excellent GMP, hygiene, and food safety standards while maintaining audit readiness at all times.
• Managing raw material usage to minimise waste and maximise yield in line with production plans.
• Deputising for the Factory Manager when required and supporting wider site operational objectives.

So, what can they offer you?
An opportunity to join a successful and growing food manufacturing business where quality, innovation, and operational excellence are at the heart of everything they do.

You'll become part of an experienced leadership team with genuine autonomy to shape production performance, develop people, and implement continuous improvement initiatives. The business is committed to investing in both its people and facilities, offering an environment where your ideas are valued and your contribution will make a real difference.

Whether your passion lies in developing high-performing teams, improving manufacturing efficiency, or delivering exceptional customer standards, this is an opportunity to build a long-term career within a business that continues to invest and grow.

We are keen to speak with experienced Production Managers, Butchery Managers, Meat Production Managers, Production Shift Managers, Operations Managers, Factory Managers, or Manufacturing Managers from the food manufacturing or fresh meat processing sectors who are based in York, Leeds, Doncaster, Hull, Wakefield, Sheffield, Scunthorpe, Lincoln, Harrogate, or the surrounding areas.

How to Apply
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting re JO/TNT/3287 or call 0161 399 1575 / 07830 944145 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 at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.