United Biscuits is one of the world’s leading branded snacks businesses, producing some of the best known and loved sweet and savoury snacks for markets around the world. United Biscuits’ Factory General Managers (FGM’s) manage key manufacturing units and as such are responsible for considerable sized businesses. With continued competition and global pricing pressures, United Biscuits understood the importance of supporting these key individuals but were unclear exactly what support was required.

HFI visited a number of the United Biscuits manufacturing facilities and interviewed key personnel across the organisation to gain an understanding of the current and future FGM role. This information was then used to develop a capability framework which clearly described the requirements for the present role and the role this would become in the future. The FGM’s each completed individual psychometric profiling assessments and 360 degree feedback questionnaires. They then joined HFI consultants for a highly realistic one-day Development Centre which simulated the acquisition of a new product line and its integration with current manufacturing operations.

The project has provided United Biscuits with a framework for supporting the existing FGM’s and making future selection decisions. During extended feedback sessions HFI facilitated each FGM to formulate a personal development action plan. These are allowing each FGM to increase their current performance and to work towards attaining their full potential within the United Biscuits organisation.



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