We partner with food and drink manufacturers across the UK to secure high-performing permanent talent that strengthens leadership, stabilises teams and drives sustainable growth.
Building long-term capability in food manufacturing requires more than filling vacancies. It requires securing the right people - those who understand the pace, pressure and complexity of manufacturing environments.
Difficult to fill, niche roles
Roles in challenging UK locations
Roles where specialist industry knowledge is essential
Food manufacturing is not like other sectors.
It operates within strict regulatory frameworks, retailer scrutiny, tight margins and operational complexity. Hiring successfully in this environment requires:
• Deep understanding of factory structures and reporting lines
• Knowledge of retailer expectations and compliance standards
• Awareness of category-specific challenges (chilled, ambient, high care)
• Insight into salary benchmarks and candidate availability
• Credibility with experienced manufacturing professionals
Because food manufacturing is the only sector we recruit within, we understand what “good” looks like - technically, commercially and culturally.
We don’t rely on generic CV databases. We use sector insight and our years of experience to identify, approach and secure the right individuals for your business.
From global FMCG businesses and nationwide manufacturers to family‑run specialists and innovative scale‑ups, we maintain relationships across the full spectrum of UK food manufacturing. That reach gives our clients discreet access to many of the most sought‑after executives in the industry - people who can deliver growth, resilience and competitive edge.
Whether you’re looking for a visionary Operations Director, a commercially sharp Managing Director, or a transformation-focused Head of Supply Chain, we deliver candidates who bring more than a great CV - they bring long-term value, impact and alignment to your business.
01
Briefing meeting to understand your business, culture and hiring goals
Define and discuss the ideal candidate profile
Agree timelines and process
Provide market data and salary insights
02
Develop a targeted search strategy
Engage and approach passive talent
Advertise across relevant platforms
Define our shortlist
03
Conduct thorough candidate screenings
Assess skills, experience and culture fit
Manage all interview stages and 2-way feedback
Support informed hiring decisions
04
Manage offers and negotiations
Complete referencing and right to work checks
Maintain regular engagement throughout notice period
Support smooth transition into role and afterwards
Permanent recruitment shouldn’t feel one‑size‑fits‑all, so True North Engage gives you the control to shape the process around your business.
Flexible fee models – choose the structure that best fits your budget and hiring volume.
Tailored payment & rebate options – built‑in assurance that every hire is the right long‑term fit.
Proven success: 96% of our placements stay beyond 12 months. 75% of our work comes from repeat clients. We know the pace, complexity and compliance challenges you face.
01
Access to an extensive network of proven professionals with sector expertise.
02
Confidential market intelligence, behavioural assessment and values alignment at every stage.
03
A single point of contact, clear milestones and guaranteed delivery.
Don’t just take our word for it - hear directly from the clients and candidates who trust True North Talent to support their recruitment and growth.
Interim Hygiene Manager
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Head of Technical
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Engineering Manager
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Interim Production Manager
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Materials Planner
1/84
Interim HR Advisor
1/84
Senior Process Technologist
1/84
Associate Health & Safety Manager
1/84
Manufacturing Shift Leader
1/84
Interim Project Manager
1/84
Interim NPD Manager
1/84
Head of NPD
1/84
Hygiene Manager
1/84
Technical Director
1/84
HR Manager
1/84
Shift Manager
1/84
Production Manager
1/84
Interim Engineering Manager
1/84
Technical Services Lead
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General Manager
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Production Manager
1/84
Production Planner
1/84
General Manager
1/84
Head of HSE
1/84
Head of Operations
1/84
Senior Factory Manager
1/84
Group Operations Director
1/84
Interim Planning Manager
1/84
R&D Technologist
1/84
Senior Production Manager
1/84
Interim Project Lead
1/84
Head of NPD
1/84
Senior Product Developer
1/84
Quality Compliance Manager
1/84
Interim Buyer
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Talent Manager
1/84
Quality Systems Manager
1/84
Interim NPD Technologist
1/84
Production Manager
1/84
Shift Production Manager
1/84
Plant Manager
1/84
Factory Trainer
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Interim Technical Manager
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Interim Process Development Manager
1/84
Factory Manager
1/84
Commercial Account Manager
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Procurement Manager
1/84
Operations & Engineering Manager
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Production Manager
1/84
National Account Manager
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CI Manager
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Operations Director
1/84
Interim Procurement Manager
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HSE Manager
1/84
Health & Safety Manager
1/84
Interim Health & Safety Manager
1/84
Shift Manager
1/84
HR Business Partner
1/84
Interim Hygiene Manager
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Interim Quality Systems
1/84
Technical Assistant
1/84
Head of Supply Chain
1/84
Maintenance Manager
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Technical Manager
1/84
Head of Technical
1/84
Compliance & Document Technologist
1/84
CI Manager
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Supply Chain Director
1/84
Operations Director
1/84
Hygiene Manager
1/84
Interim Operations Consultant
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Interim Technical Manager
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NPD & Process Development Manager
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Regional HSE Advisor
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Interim Production Manager
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Recommended to work with. Amy was the key star on the whole process.
Health & Safety Interim
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Project Management Consultant
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Health & Safety Manager
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Head of Engineering
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Project Engineering Manager
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Factory Manager
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Operations Manager
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I have had plenty of dealings with Cleo and she is one of the few recruiters who rings you to check how you are doing, even if she doesn’t have a role in mind.
Latest dealings were a conversation Thursday 08:30, interview Friday 15:00 and start Monday 09:00. Pleasure to deal with.
Interim Warehouse & Logistics Manager
1/84
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
1/84
To discuss your permanent team needs, please contact our specialist consultants on 0161 399 1575, or use one of the buttons below:
info@truenorthtalent.co.uk
0161 399 1575
Orega Serviced Offices,
1 Balloon Street,
Manchester,
M4 4BE
Company Registration: 14987603
VAT Number: 449301888
