Factory Manager
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£55,000
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 1121 (100% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £55,000, and Pilgrim's Europe is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1121 Production managers and directors in manufacturing Most likely code | £38,500 | £44,000 | £49,500 | £55,000 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Location: Dungannon
Department: 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.
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This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Pilgrim's Europe, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Production managers and directors in manufacturing (SOC 1121) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~434k in sample- Middle half £41,236–82,680
- Median £56,940
- Going rate £55,000
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £38,500–49,500
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Pilgrim's EuropeAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Pilgrim's Europe holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 1121 going rate of £55,000. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.