Factory Manager

Factory Manager

Location

Hadnall, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

 

Job type

Permanent

 

Hours

Full time

 

 

JOB SUMMARY

 

Forestart is a major supplier of tree seed in the UK; our operations are key to plantings throughout the UK. We provide tree and shrub seed to nurseries for forestry, amenity and conservation purposes. We collect seed throughout the UK then process, treat and store it at our sites near Shrewsbury. Our team works hard to ensure that sufficient good quality seed is available in the marketplace and that customer needs are met in all aspects of supply.

 

The Factory Manager is responsible for the day to day running of Forestart activities across multiple sites and has line manager responsibilities for the Tree Seed Collection and Processing team. This is a practical role which involves leading and overseeing all yard duties, ensuring that all work is carried out safely, efficiently and in accordance with company policies and procedures.

 

The role requires strong leadership, organisational and communication skills to manage people, resources and site operations while maintaining high standards of health and safety, productivity and compliance. Accurate record keeping to ensure full traceability of every batch of seed is essential.

 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Leadership & Team Management

 

  • Manage the yards at all our Shropshire sites – managing staff, work processes and resources and providing guidance, direction and support where needed

 

  • Plan and manage yard work. Organise workloads and delegate tasks effectively, monitor staff competency and offer further guidance when necessary

 

  • Train, mentor and support employees, acting as the primary point of contact for staff working in the yard and for supervisors of teams working remotely

 

  • Act as line manager for the tree seed collection and processing team, including duties such as carrying out annual appraisals and processing holiday requests

 

Health, Safety and Compliance

 

  • Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company policies, H&S legislation and safe systems of work, working closely with the HR and H&S management team

 

  • Enforce company policies and procedures, including the correct use of PPE and adherence to authorised break times

 

  • Ensure employees are trained in the proper and safe use of equipment, maintaining accurate training records

 

  • Complete risk assessments as required

 

Operations & Resources Management

 

  • Ensure that goods are processed in a timely manner to obtain optimum yield and quality

 

  • Ensure that seed is stored correctly until the point of dispatch

 

  • Dispatch seed to meet customer expectations

 

  • Manage the maintenance of all equipment and ensure that daily inspections are performed to identify maintenance or repair needs, addressing any issues promptly

 

  • Oversee the purchase of any necessary materials and equipment

 

Communication & Administration

 

  • Work closely and proactively with supervisors across your team to ensure that work teams have the correct equipment and information to enable efficient operations.

 

  • Ensure teams are provided with the correct labels to maintain accurate record keeping at all times

 

  • Ensure all goods are correctly recorded as they arrive on site

 

  • Record all actions on the bespoke stock system to provide full traceability of every batch of seed, ensuring that stock records are accurate at all times

 

  • Accurately record and communicate employee working hours and other operational information

 

  • Maintain clear communication with the General Manager regarding operational issues or concerns

 

Qualifications & Skills

 

  • Previous experience managing stock and yard tasks, preferably in a multi yard operation

 

  • Strong leadership and team management skills

 

  • Strong organisational, administrative and record-keeping skills

 

  • Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving abilities

 

  • Good knowledge of workplace H&S legislation and safe working practices

 

  • Ability to work independently, make sound decisions and take initiative

 

  • Fluent in English (if not first language)

 

  • Competent in Microsoft suite of software (Outlook, Excel, Word) and able to learn a bespoke stock software programme

 

Working Conditions

 

  • Primarily based at our main site but often working at our secondary site/s

 

  • Mainly yard-based but some travel away from site may be offered at times

 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

–              Salary £31,000 – £39,000 per year (depending on experience)

–              25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

–              Regular hours of work Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.00pm

–              Half hour lunch break and two additional breaks

–              Company pool vehicle provided for all business travel

–              On-site parking and employee assistance programme provided

–              Immediate start available for the right candidate

 

 

HOW TO APPLY

Please email your CV and a cover letter to emma@forestart.co.uk

To ensure your application is processed correctly, use the subject line:

“Application – Factory Manager – Your Full Name”

 

Informal discussions about the role are welcomed. Please contact Sam Firkins on 01939 210638.

 

 

CLOSING DATE

14th August 2026