The Vacancy
Location: DungannonDepartment: Manufacturing
Pilgrim’s Europe is looking for an experienced Factory Manager to join our Dungannon site.
This is a senior operational leadership role responsible for delivering manufacturing performance across safety, quality, efficiency, people, and cost. Reporting to the Site Director, you’ll lead large production teams, drive continuous improvement, and develop a culture focused on operational excellence and high performance.
You’ll play a key role in shaping site strategy, leading change, and ensuring the manufacturing operation consistently delivers exceptional results for both customers and the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop manufacturing teams to achieve safety, quality, service, and cost targets.
- Drive a strong behavioural safety culture and support the site’s “Go for Zero” approach.
- Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with site and business objectives.
- Deliver continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence tools.
- Manage labour utilisation, productivity, waste reduction, yield improvement, and overall manufacturing performance.
- Lead major operational projects including capital investment, improvement initiatives, and NPD implementation.
- Build high-performing teams through coaching, development, succession planning, and effective people management.
- Monitor and improve key manufacturing KPIs through data-led decision-making and problem-solving.
- Ensure the factory remains audit-ready and fully compliant with Food Safety, Quality, GMP, Environmental, and Health & Safety standards.
- Manage cost of conversion and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability.
About You
Essential
- Proven leadership experience within a food manufacturing environment.
- Experience managing large operational teams in a high-volume manufacturing setting.
- Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence principles.
- Experience driving performance through KPIs, data analysis, and structured problem-solving.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong focus on Health & Safety, Quality, and people development.
Desirable
- Experience leading cross-functional projects and change programmes.
- Knowledge of OPEX tools and methodologies.
- Experience within a chilled, fresh, or protein manufacturing environment.
- Degree or relevant manufacturing qualification.
Why Join Pilgrim’s Europe?
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Annual bonus opportunity
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Employee discount platform
- Ongoing leadership development
- Career progression opportunities within one of Europe’s leading food manufacturing businesses
At Pilgrim’s Europe, our values of Ownership, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Availability, Simplicity, and Sincerity are at the heart of everything we do.
If you’re a results-driven manufacturing leader who thrives in a fast-paced food production environment and is passionate about delivering operational excellence through people and continuous improvement, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today to join Pilgrim’s Europe as our next Factory Manager in Dungannon.
Our Story
Pilgrim’s Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets.
Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products.
Across Pilgrim’s Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrim’s Europe team are based in our Pilgrim’s UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim’s Food Masters and Pilgrim’s Shared Services businesses.
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.
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