Strategic Project Manager

Group Strategic Project Manager

Hybrid (UK-wide travel required)
£55,000-£60,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus

Are you an experienced Project Manager with a background in food manufacturing or FMCG, looking to step into a high-impact, group-level role?

At The Compleat Food Group, we're looking for a Group Strategic Project Manager to join our central Product & Quality team, leading key projects that shape our products, processes, and packaging across the business.

The Role

This is a highly visible role within our central PMO, where you'll lead end-to-end strategic projects across multiple manufacturing sites.

You'll work closely with senior stakeholders, including our Exec and Management Board, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest quality and food safety standards .

This is a hybrid role with a central base, combined with regular travel across our UK sites.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the full lifecycle of strategic, cross-site projects
• Manage and coordinate cross-functional teams (Operations, Technical, NPD, Procurement, Finance, Commercial)
• Define project scope, timelines, and resource plans
• Ensure successful delivery of projects in line with business objectives
• Identify risks early and implement effective mitigation plans
• Provide clear, regular updates to senior stakeholders and board-level teams
• Maintain control of budgets, timelines, and CAPEX requirements
• Ensure all projects meet food safety, legal, and quality standards
• Drive best practice and continuous improvement across project delivery

Typical Projects

• Site transfers and production moves
• Complex new product launches (NPD/EPD)
• Packaging or raw material changes (cost or sustainability-led)
• Process optimisation and equipment upgrades

About You

• Proven project management experience within food manufacturing or FMCG
• Strong track record of delivering complex, cross-functional projects
• Confident working across multiple sites and stakeholder groups
• Excellent planning, organisation, and risk management skills
• Strong communicator, able to influence at all levels including senior leadership
• Commercially aware with the ability to manage budgets and timelines effectively
• Hands-on, proactive, and solutions-focused

Desirable

• Formal Project Management qualification (PRINCE2, PMP or similar)
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement
• Knowledge of retailer standards and food industry regulations (BRC, HACCP)

Why Join Us?

About The Compleat Food Group

At The Compleat Food Group, we're proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we're on a mission to create Food to Feel Good - great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat.

We're home to some of the UK's most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall's Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, we're a leading supplier of delicious own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant-based food to the UK's major retailers, as well as across foodservice.

With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we're united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better.

We are backed by European private equity firm PAI Partners.

Why Join Us?

At The Compleat Food Group , we believe our people are the heart of our success. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing, and career growth:

Financial & Lifestyle Benefits

• Competitive Car Allowance
• Company Bonus Scheme recognising performance and contribution
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes - including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
• 33 days' annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
• Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform
• Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store
• Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
• EV charging points - available at selected sites

Health & Wellbeing

• Private Medical Insurance (work level dependent)
• Group Life Assurance (work level dependent)
• 24/7 access to GroceryAid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
• Physical Wellbeing Hub - free on-demand exercise classes, gym discounts
• Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes
• Online wellbeing support - from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
• Financial wellbeing tools - including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid

Career Growth & Development

• Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)
• Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role
• Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations
• Company Mentoring Scheme to add depth and really support your career journey
• Recognition through Club Compleat rewards

Community & Culture

• 2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you
• Charity initiatives and fundraising events
• Team socials to connect and celebrate together
• Employee networks & support groups - including Women @ Compleat
• New baby gift for new parents