Job Description

Factory & Operations Manager at Fast-Growing, Challenger Chocolate Company

Location:

West Sussex (On-site, Full-time)

Salary:

45,000 per annum + future share incentive opportunities

About Catherine's Originals

Catherine's Originals is one of the UK's fastest-growing chocolate brands. All products are made and fulfilled on site in our very own West Sussex factory. From humble beginnings hand-wrapping 30,000 chocolates in a home kitchen, we're now producing millions of chocolates each year and scaling rapidly.

This role is best suited to someone with high ambitions who gets excited by the idea of growing with a scale-up business.

We're a proudly independent, founder-led company with big ambitions. We're passionate about bold flavours, playful packaging, creating inclusive chocolate that everyone can enjoy, and maintaining a warm, positive working environment.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced

Factory & Operations Manager

to lead the day-to-day running of our chocolate factory, while also thinking ahead to scaling and forecasting, ensuring smooth operations, efficient lines, and consistent quality throughout.

This is a mix between a hands-on leadership role and a computer-based one. You'll play a vital part in shaping the future of our production and operations teams, systems, and scale. You'll be working closely with the founders to implement systems, streamline processes, and drive excellence across the factory and warehouse floor.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee daily factory operations and production scheduling Create production plans and recruit appropriate team members for each job Be actively involved in the hiring process Identify gaps and implement systems to improve efficiency and consistency Work closely with sales to forecast production needs Manage and support the production team, ensuring training and performance standards are met Maintain and lead compliance with food safety and quality certifications (SALSA, HACCP, etc.) Lead factory recruitment, onboarding, and training as the team expands Collaborate with the founders on operational planning, capacity expansion, and new product launches

What We're Looking For

Proven experience in a senior production, factory, or operations role, ideally within food manufacturing, with hands-on experience Someone with a passion to grow and lead A youthful team player who can add to Catherine's Originals' energetic culture A proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, growing environment Strong leadership and communication skills, with a practical, hands-on mindset Experience implementing systems and process improvements Someone who believes in doing things properly , ethically, sustainably, and fairly

The Details

Contract:

Full-time, permanent

Location:

On-site at our West Sussex factory

Hours:

Monday-Friday (working hours vary depending on business needs ~45 hours per week)

Salary:

45,000 per annum

Bonus:

Future share incentive opportunities for senior team members

Why Join Us?

This is more than a job, it's a chance to join a rapidly scaling brand at a pivotal time in its journey. You'll have real ownership, creative input, and the opportunity to build systems and teams from the ground up.

If you're ready to bring structure, drive, and innovation to a brand that's doubling year-on-year, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply:

Please send your CV and a short introduction telling us why you'd be a great fit to

jamie.miller@catherinesoriginals.com

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Company pension Employee discount Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person