Zest

At Zest, we don't just 'do' recruitment - we transform careers and strengthen teams in one of the UK's most vital industries: Food Manufacturing. We've spent over 20 years building the most trusted recruitment brand in the sector, and now, we're looking for a Trainee Recruitment Consultant who's hungry to be the best. This is not a back-office role click apply for full job details

We're looking for a Head of Engineering to take ownership of the engineering function at a busy food manufacturing site in the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire area. This is a key leadership role for an experienced engineering professional who can blend strong technical expertise with clear, confident people management. Responsibilities: - Leading a team of multi-disciplined engineers click apply for full job details

Process Technologist - Food Manufacturing Location: Norfolk Salary: Competitive + Benefits We're supporting a well-established food manufacturer in Norfolk who are looking to recruit an experienced Process Technologist to join their team. This is a great opportunity to work alongside an industry-leading NPD Manager and be part of a passionate, collaborative team that takes real pride in what they do. As Process Technologist, you'll be involved in taking new and existing products from concept through to launch. You'll play a key part in factory trials, scale-ups and ensuring smooth handovers between development and production. The role will suit someone who enjoys being hands-on, thrives on variety and has a strong eye for detail. To be successful, you'll need experience in a similar role within the food manufacturing industry and a good understanding of processes, trials and product launches. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally are essential, along with a genuine enthusiasm for food and innovation. If you're looking for a role where you can make an impact, work with a fantastic team and continue to develop your skills within a forward-thinking business, we'd love to hear from you. Call Nicola on (phone number removed) Email your CV to (url removed) Zest - A fresh approach to recruitment in the food industry. As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

We're working with a leading food manufacturer to recruit a Quality Assurance Auditor to join their technical team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about food safety and quality standards, with a strong eye for detail and the confidence to support operational teams on the factory floor. The Role: As a QA Auditor, you'll play a key role in ensuring all products are manufactured safely, legally, and to the highest quality standards. You'll carry out regular audits and checks across production, hygiene, and storage areas, verifying that all processes and documentation meet site, customer, and regulatory requirements. Key Responsibilities: Conduct internal audits, CCP verifications, traceability exercises, and GMP assessments. Support investigations into quality or food safety incidents, customer complaints, and non-conformances. Ensure all corrective actions are recorded, communicated, and effectively closed out. Carry out calibration checks and organoleptic assessments to maintain product consistency. Maintain accurate records and ensure the site is always "audit ready." Provide training and guidance to production teams on quality and food safety practices. Contribute to continuous improvement and technical validation activities. About You: Experience in food manufacturing, ideally within a technical or QA role. Knowledge of HACCP principles, GMP, and internal auditing. Understanding of allergens, microbiology basics, and non-conformance processes. Strong communication skills with a proactive, collaborative approach. Competent in Microsoft Office applications and able to manage accurate documentation. Level 2 Food Safety and Health & Safety qualifications (or willingness to achieve). Why Apply? This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your career in a well-established, technically driven food business that values quality, safety, and continuous improvement. You'll join a supportive team, with opportunities for training and career progression. As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

An opportunity for an experienced Site Technical Manager to lead the technical function within a well-established food manufacturing business. This is a key leadership position with responsibility for ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, legality, and compliance, while driving continuous improvement across the site, you'll also play a visible role in audits, customer relationships, and deliver initiatives that support business growth and integrity. Key Responsibilities Lead all site technical operations, ensuring robust systems for quality, food safety, legality, and brand integrity. Develop and implement a clear technical strategy and improvement roadmap aligned with business objectives. Champion a positive food safety and quality culture across all departments. Manage, coach, and develop the technical team, embedding strong leadership, succession planning, and performance management. Provide senior technical presence during audits, customer visits, and inspections. Collaborate with wider business functions to share best practice and deliver strategic projects. Lead investigations, non-conformance management, and CAPA implementation to maintain continuous improvement. Support environmental, sustainability, and health and safety initiatives as part of the senior leadership team. About You You're an experienced technical leader with a strong background in food manufacturing and the credibility to influence at senior level. You combine strategic vision with practical leadership and a drive to raise standards and develop people. Essential Skills & Experience Degree (or equivalent) in Food Science or a related discipline. Proven track record in a senior technical or quality management role within food manufacturing. Strong understanding of UK retailer Codes of Practice. Level 4 HACCP and Lead Auditor qualification. Experience of managing customer technical relationships. Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams. Knowledge of BRCGS, IFS, and other third-party audit standards. Experience with technical systems such as SAP or MES. Strong communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills. Why Apply? This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected food business in a role with genuine influence and visibility. The successful candidate will shape technical strategy, build capability within the team, and play a key part in maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and compliance. As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

Process NPD Technologist - Leicestershire Monday to Friday, Days Our client, a well-established and innovative company within the UK food manufacturing sector, is seeking a Process Development Technologist to join their on-site team in Leicestershire. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a background in Technical, Production, QA or Process Development who is looking to take the next step in their career and contribute to process improvement and product innovation. In this role, you will be responsible for supporting factory trials, process validations, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including NPD and Technical, to bring new concepts to life and optimise existing processes. The ideal candidate will have experience in UK food manufacturing and possess strong time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects effectively. You will also be a natural problem solver and critical thinker, able to analyse production data, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement practical solutions. Strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills are essential to succeed in this role. If you have relevant experience and are interested in a confidential conversation about this opportunity, please contact Nicola on (phone number removed) or email your CV to (url removed) As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

Are you an experienced Wholesale National Account Manager with a passion for driving growth in the snacking or FMCG sector? We're working with a well-established and highly respected UK snack manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for quality, innovation, and great-tasting products. Supplying both branded and private-label ranges to major retailers and wholesalers, this business continues to grow and evolve in a fast-paced, competitive market. The Role As Wholesale National Account Manager, you'll take ownership of key national wholesale accounts across the UK - building strong, strategic partnerships and delivering profitable growth. You'll be responsible for developing and executing account strategies that align with business objectives, managing a broad portfolio of products, and identifying new opportunities for expansion. Key Responsibilities: -Hold full P&L responsibility for major national wholesale accounts, ensuring sustainable, profitable growth. -Build, maintain and strengthen customer relationships, fostering long-term partnerships. -Drive sales performance by identifying new business opportunities within the wholesale channel. -Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and consumer behaviour to inform strategy and maximise category performance. -Collaborate with internal teams including production, logistics, and finance to ensure seamless service and delivery. -Provide accurate reporting and insights to support continuous improvement and strategic planning. About You -Proven experience as a National Account Manager within the snacking, crisps or wider FMCG sector. -Strong background managing key wholesale accounts, ideally including Bestway or similar national wholesale groups. -Commercially astute, with strong negotiation, influencing and relationship-building skills. -Data-driven, analytical mindset with the ability to turn insights into action. -Confident working independently in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment. -Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally as required. The Offer -Fully remote working. -Competitive base salary plus car allowance and performance-related bonus. -Career development opportunities within a dynamic, growing business. If you're motivated by the challenge of managing key wholesale accounts and want to play a pivotal role in a thriving UK snack manufacturer, apply today to find out more. As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

Are you a Manufacturing/Operations Team Leader, Production Shift Manager, Section Manager, Front Line Manager or a Senior Supervisor? We are currently working with a well-established, fast paced food manufacturer looking for a strong manager to join the team on a 4on 4off shift. The role is demanding a strong manager, someone who can take the reins, drive the shift in a positive direction, focus on 1-2-1 and people development. Responsibilities will focus around ensuring H&S standards are met, food quality standards, meeting customer service demands and plant performance. You will need to have experience within a Senior Supervisor/Shift Manager role within the food industry. Analytical mindset and approach to problem solving, team player and strong communication skills. Understanding of Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing principles would be beneficial. If you feel you match the above criteria and wish to apply for this great opportunity, please contact Sam on (phone number removed) or send your CV to (url removed) directly. As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

Maintenance Supervisor - 60,000 - Northamptonshire Monday to Friday, Days I'm looking to speak with experienced Maintenance Supervisors or senior multi-skilled engineers ready to step up into a leadership role. This is a hands-on position in a busy food manufacturing environment, focused on driving proactive maintenance and reliability improvements. You'll lead a small team of engineers, plan and schedule maintenance work, manage contractors, and be hands-on around 75% of the time. Over time, the balance will naturally move more toward leadership and planning. What you'll need: - Time-served, multi-skilled background with both electrical and mechanical ability - Confident leading a team and prioritising maintenance activity - Strong fault-finding, root cause analysis, and organisational skills What's on offer: - 60,000 salary - Monday-Friday days role - Genuine scope to shape maintenance standards and grow your career If you're a strong, hands-on engineer who enjoys leading from the front, I'd like to hear from you. As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

Our client, a well-established and respected food manufacturing business, is seeking a Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer to join their engineering team. Responsibilities: - Carrying out planned and reactive maintenance on a range of production and packaging machinery. - Diagnosing and resolving electrical and mechanical faults efficiently. - Supporting continuous improvement and reliability initiatives. - Maintaining accurate maintenance records and adhering to site health & safety standards. Requirements: - Time-served or qualified engineer (multi-skilled) - Ability to work under pressure and solve problems effectively If you're a skilled engineer with experience in the food industry and are looking to join a company that values your expertise, we'd love to hear from you. As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)