The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
From Plant Director (Multi-Site)
5-8 years as a Plant DirectorSkills to master
- Broadening P&L accountability, developing enterprise-level strategic thinking, managing diverse operational functions beyond just production (e.g., quality, maintenance, logistics).
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully managed multiple production sites, consistently hitting targets.
- Led significant capital projects (£1M+) from conception to completion.
- Demonstrated strong leadership in crisis management and continuous improvement initiatives.
- 2
From Head of Supply Chain / Logistics
7-10 years in senior supply chain roles, with significant manufacturing exposure.Skills to master
- Deepening knowledge of factory floor operations, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance specific to food production. Understanding the nuances of manufacturing P&L.
You're ready to move on when
- Optimised complex global supply chains, significantly reducing costs or improving efficiency.
- Strong track record of cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing teams.
- Demonstrated ability to manage large, distributed teams and strategic vendor relationships.
- 3
From VP of Manufacturing (Specialised Food Sector)
5-7 years in a similar VP role within a niche food segment.Skills to master
- Adapting to our specific product portfolio and operational complexities, integrating into our company culture, and bringing fresh perspectives from their previous sector.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully scaled manufacturing operations in a high-growth environment.
- Led significant technological advancements in their previous role.
- Demonstrated ability to drive cultural change and operational excellence.