General Manager (Chocolate Production)

Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager (Chocolate) to lead and optimise end\-to\-end chocolate manufacturing operations in Untamed Chocolate, a new business established under the VH Brand. You will be responsible and accountable as the operational lead, bridging high\-level business strategy with the day\-to\-day production of high\-quality products. Managing both the revenue and cost elements of the business P\&L. Oversee the sales, growth, NPD and quality of the business as well as the day\-to\-day operations including technical compliance and H\&S. Be responsible for effective planning, delegating, coordinating, staffing, organising and decision making to attain desirable profit\-making results for the business. Generate a culture of meeting customer expectations and the consistent delivery of beautifully produced and decorated products is paramount. Own and manage day\-to\-day performance across people, process, quality, safety, maintenance and continuous improvement.

Duties

• Responsible for the full end‑to‑end production process, ensuring smooth and efficient coordination from raw material intake through production, packing, and dispatch.


• Develop, manage, and optimise production planning and scheduling daily/weekly to meet customer demand; manage labour, materials and capacity constraints.


• Lead production teams for the precision execution of customer orders, maintaining 100% compliance with technical specifications and delivery schedules.


• Provide strategic oversight of all quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance frameworks, ensuring full alignment with standards such as BRC, SALSA, HACCP, and allergen management requirements.


• Monitor and report on operational performance at a strategic level and drive continuous improvements in productivity, product quality, and overall operational efficiency.


• Manage the completion of accurate job costings and daily production performance reporting, ensuring labour utilisation, output levels, and downtime are captured with precision and proactively reduced.


• Ensure all operational activities are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with business objectives, maintaining strong cost control, resource optimisation, and operational efficiency.


• Process optimisation: Monitor line performance, yields, waste and downtime; identify bottlenecks and implement improvements (lean/CI), including changeovers, cleaning and start\-up routines.


• Provide strategic leadership of operational forums, driving structured performance reviews, risk identification, and forward planning in collaboration with key stakeholders.


• Lead the continuous improvement agenda across operations, identifying and delivering initiatives that enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall cost performance.


• Work closely with Quality, Supply Chain, Technical/R\&D, NPD and Sales/Customer Service to align demand plans, launches, and customer requirements.


• Materials \& inventory: Manage procurement \& stock to maintain availability of key raw materials (cocoa liquor/butter, sugar, milk powders, inclusions) and packaging; manage stock accuracy and shelf\-life/FEFO.

• Operational Management


• Quality, Compliance \& Food Safety


• Team Leadership \& People Management


• Production Planning \& Stock Management


• Quality, Compliance \& Food Safety


• Machinery, Facilities \& Maintenance


• Business Operations \& Stakeholder Management (KPIs)


• Continuous Improvement \& Cost Management

• Proven operations/production leadership within food manufacturing (ideally confectionery or chocolate).


• Strong working knowledge of food safety and quality systems, including HACCP and GMP.


• Track record of leading a business and multi\-shift teams (supervisors, operators, and temporary labour), with confidence in coaching, performance management, and identifying training needs.


• Experience managing budgets and production costings.


• Continuous improvement focus, including waste reduction, yield improvement, and OEE/downtime reduction.


• Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder management across Production, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain.


• Composed under pressure, able to prioritise and make timely decisions during breakdowns or quality incidents.


• High attention to detail with strong discipline in documentation and record\-keeping.


• A proactive approach to problem\-solving with strategic thinking abilities.


• This role is ideal for a motivated General Manager passionate about the chocolate / food industry who is eager to contribute to a thriving organisation committed to excellence in chocolate production.

Benefits:

• Company pension


• Employee discount


• Free parking


• On\-site parking

• Do you have experience within Food / Chocolate production?


• Have you managed a business entity as a GM previously?

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