Manufacturing and Food Production

The Manufacturing and Food Production sector makes the food and drinks we enjoy every day. It includes businesses that grow, prepare, package, and distribute products, helping to supply shops, restaurants, and communities.

Careers in Food and Drink Production

The Food and Drink Production sector offers lots of different career opportunities and the chance to develop a wide range of skills. It is a great place to work, with roles for people who enjoy practical work, science, technology, and problem-solving. You could work as a food production operative, baker, brewer, quality assurance technician, food scientist, or production manager. Whatever role you choose, you can make a real difference by helping to provide safe, high-quality food and drink for people every day.

Two people working at factory.
Image credit: Pexels
Salary Information

How much can you earn working in Manufacturing and Production

Food and Drink Production offers a range of entry-level jobs that can help you gain experience and build new skills. As you learn and develop, you may have the chance to move into more senior roles with greater responsibility and higher pay.

Salary ranges are based on job adverts from August 2026 and can vary depending on experience, qualifications, employer, and location. It may take time to gain the skills and experience needed to progress to the next career level and salary range.

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Entry Level roles may range from £22,000 to £29,000 a year.
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Intermediate roles may range from £29,000 to £35,000 a year.
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Advanced roles may range from £40,000 to £55,000 a year.
Careers in Manufacturing and Food Production

View a variety of jobs

Discover the different careers available in manufacturing and food production, from packaging products, to design, inspection, and leadership jobs. Click on the job profiles below to find out what each role involves, the skills you need, and the steps you can take to progress.

Entry Level
Packer

Salary: £23,000 to £28,000

Entry Level
Food Factory Worker

Salary: £21,000 to £28,000

Intermediate
Product Designer

Salary: £26,000 to £46,000

Intermediate
Food Scientist

Salary: £24,000 to £45,000

Intermediate
Food Manufacturing Inspector

Salary: £27,000 to £45,000

Advanced
Production Manager

Salary: £30,000 to £63,000

Advanced
Patent Attorney

Salary: £35,000 to £95,000

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Local Learning Opportunities

Find Your Next Step

Check out our Skills Connect Directory for a list of opportunities and places to train in your region to help you kick start your career in food and drink production.

View Opportunities

Image credit: Boomsatsuma

Top Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Checking products and processes carefully to maintain quality standards.
  • Collaboration: Working with others to achieve production goals.
  • Time Management: Completing tasks efficiently to meet production schedules.
  • Teamwork: Supporting colleagues to keep operations running smoothly.
  • Communication: Sharing information clearly with team members and supervisors.
  • Problem-solving: Identifying issues and helping to find practical solutions.
  • Digital Skills: Using production systems, machinery controls and digital tools.
  • Health and Safety Awareness: Following procedures to keep yourself and others safe at work.
  • Food Safety and Hygiene: Handling, preparing and producing food safely.
  • Product Development: Helping to create and improve food and drink products.
  • Food Science: Understanding how ingredients, processes and storage affect products.
  • Quality Control: Checking products meet required quality and safety standards.
  • Production Planning: Organising resources and schedules to meet demand efficiently.
  • Machinery Operation: Using manufacturing equipment safely and effectively.
  • Continuous Improvement: Finding ways to improve productivity, quality and efficiency.
  • Reliable: Being someone your team can depend on.
  • Responsible: Taking ownership of your work and following procedures carefully.
  • Adaptable: Responding positively to changes in production needs and processes.
  • Observant: Noticing issues, defects or risks before they become bigger problems.
  • Methodical: Following processes carefully and working in a structured way.
  • Practical: Enjoying hands-on work and finding effective solutions.
  • Hardworking: Showing commitment and effort to achieve production targets.
Green jobs

Green jobs in food and drink production sector

Many food and drink production companies are working to become more sustainable and develop more sustainable products. There are green elements featured in many roles and a rise in green jobs, including: 

Sustainable agriculture engineer holding up tray of plants.
Resources

Sector Insights Information Sheet

Use this downloadable poster to share and explore key data and insights on education, training and employment opportunities featured on this page. Designed to support informed discussions and decision-making, this summary poster can be used by students, parents, educators and careers advisers. 

View Poster

Explore More

Careers that use similar skills

If you are interested in a career in manufacturing and production, you may also want to explore other careers that require similar skills. If you like preparing food and drink, being creative, and making a difference, you may also enjoy some of these opportunities:

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