Unit Manager

Job Title: Unit Manager

Name: Neil Clarke

Company: Northern Foods – Elkes Biscuits

Professional Qualification(s):

Professional Qualification(s) Studying for Certificate in Manufacturing Management BA (Hons) Business Studies

Degree studied at…

Sheffield Hallam University

Brief job description

Overall management responsibility for one of 6 production units at Elkes Biscuits. My focus is on performance against Key Performance
Indicators and continuous improvement of people and processes.

My career so far…

Joined Northern Foods on a 15 month placement as part of my degree.

This was based at Evesham Foods which gave me an insight into the company and the industry in general.

Re-joined as a Graduate in September 2001 at Elkes Biscuits. On my first day I was told that I would be taking over as a Supervisor, with
responsibility for 3 lines, in 6 weeks. I did this role for 12 months, and was then promoted to Unit Manager. I have been in this role for 6
months.

What does your job involve in a typical day?

Really no such thing as a typical day, but a foundation stone of most days is the review of the previous 24 hours. This is done through reviewing my Operator Technicians and Senior Operators, as well as chairing a focus group to look at recurring engineering problems. This
really focuses my attention on key problems, and I can then do my best to resolve them. I also get involved in recruitment, disciplinaries, policy setting, various working parties and committees and other site-wide issues. Within my department I have responsibility for developing my team and this is done through a one-to-one monthly performance and development review.

What do you like most about your job?

2 days are never the same. This job really is about variety. One hour I can be producing and launching a new product, and the next I can be recruiting and developing new staff

What skills are required in your job?

Communication, Motivation, Team working, Drive, Enthusiasm, Problem Solving.

How many people work for you?

85

What is your advice to people looking for a career in the food and grocery industry?

If you are looking for a role which provides excellent variety, training and development and good career progression opportunities,
Northern Foods is for you.