Job Description
Factory / Site Manager Ice Cream Manufacturing
Would you like the opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth and success of an iconic Northern Ireland family business producing a much-loved, award-winning product that is stocked in supermarkets across the UK?
We may have the role for you. Morelli Ice Cream Ltd is looking for an experienced food manufacturing leader who is ready for a new challenge.
We are currently a single shift operation producing a product with a long shelf life, perfect for those seeking the ideal work-life balance.
Job title: Factory / Site Manager
Location: Coleraine, Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
Reports to: Managing Director
Responsible for: Production, packing & logistic teams, 30 staff, plus seasonal staff at peak
Key relationships: Directors, sales and marketing, quality/technical, suppliers, customers, auditors and regulators
Contract:Full-time, permanent
Hours: 40-45 hours per week, with flexibility needed during peak season
Salary: From £45,000 + (Negotiable & depending on experience)
Benefits: Company Pension, Single Shift operation, long shelf-life product, paid breaks & free on-site parking
1. Purpose of the role
To take full operational responsibility for the Coleraine production site: making sure safe, legal, high-quality ice cream is produced to plan, on time and within budget, while leading and developing the site team and preparing the business for a potential move to BRC certification and other key retailer standards.
2. Main duties and responsibilities
Production and planning
- Plan and schedule production to meet customer orders and seasonal demand, including building stock ahead of the summer peak.
- Ensure products are made to specification, on time and in full.
- Manage stocks of ingredients, raw materials and packaging, working with suppliers to keep supply reliable.
- Work with sales and marketing on forecasts, customer orders and new product introductions.
Performance and KPIs
- Help establish a clear set of KPIs including yield, waste, labour costs, cost per unit and service levels.
- Monitor performance against those KPIs and report regularly to the Managing Director
- Lead continuous improvement in efficiency, quality and working practices.
Finance and budget.
- Work with the Managing Director to set the annual site cost budget.
- Manage spend against budget and report monthly on costs, variances and savings.
- Identify and make the case for investment in plant, equipment and site improvements.
Food safety and quality
- Maintain the sites HACCP and SALSA systems and keep the site audit-ready at all times.
- Lead the preparation for a potential move to BRC certification & other key retailer standards.
- Ensure traceability, allergen control, labelling, cleaning and hygiene standards are met.
- Manage non-conformances, customer complaints and corrective actions.
- Host audits, customer visits and inspections by Environmental Health and other regulators.
Health, safety and environment
- Take day-to-day responsibility for health and safety on site, including risk assessments, safe systems of work, training and accident reporting.
- Ensure the site meets its environmental responsibilities, including waste, effluent and energy use.
People
- Lead, train and develop the production and packing teams, and plan staffing rotas.
- Recruit permanent and seasonal staff in line with company policy and fair employment practice.
- Carry out inductions, keep training records up to date and hold regular reviews with staff.
- Manage attendance, conduct and performance in line with company procedures.
- Build a positive, safe and well-organised working culture on site.
Plant, equipment and site.
- Manage planned and reactive maintenance so that lines stay reliable, including managing contractors.
- Oversee site security, opening and closing, and emergency procedures.
Logistics/ Transport
- Lead the logistics and transport department, route planning & third-party carrier relationships.
General
- Represent the site with customers, auditors and regulators when required.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties consistent with the role.
Person Specification
Applicants will be shortlisted against the essential criteria below, using the information in their CV and covering note. Desirable criteria may be used if there are a large number of applicants.
Qualifications
Essential
HACCP Level 3 (or equivalent),or a willingness to achieve it within 6 months of starting
Desirable
Qualification in food technology,operations management,engineering,or a related field
IOSH Managing Safely,NEBOSH,or equivalent health and safety training
HACCP Level 4 or lean / continuous improvement training
Experience
Essential
At least 3 years experience as a factory,site,or production manager in food manufacturing
Leading shop-floor teams,including supervisors,and managing performance issues
Working within a certified food safety system (SALSA,BRC,or equivalent) and hosting audits
Planning production and reporting against KPIs
Managing a site or departmental budget
Desirable
Dairy,ice cream,frozen,or chilled food production
Seasonal or high-volume production
Taking a site through BRC certification
Managing planned maintenance or engineering contractors
Knowledge
Essential
Food safety and hygiene requirements,including allergen control,traceability,and labelling
Health and safety responsibilities in a manufacturing environment
Good practice in people management,including recruitment,training,and absence management
Skills & Abilities
Essential
Strong planning and organisational skills with the ability to balance output,quality,and cost
Good numeracy and IT skills,including spreadsheets for planning,KPIs,and budgets
Clear communication skills with staff,directors,customers,and auditors
Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and solve problems practically
Desirable
AI-enabled / familiar with AI tools
Personal Qualities
Essential
Practical,visible leader who is equally comfortable on the factory floor and in the office
Sets and maintains high standards by leading by example
Suited to a hands-on role in a family business,with a strong commitment to the product
Other Requirements
Essential
Right to work in the UK
Ability to work flexibly to meet seasonal peaks,including occasional early starts and weekends
Desirable
Full UK driving licence
How to apply
Please apply by sending your CV and a short covering note
Closing date: Friday 11th December 2026. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
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