Production Manager

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Production Manager to lead our beverages manufacturing operations and drive the production process to new heights of efficiency and excellence. In this pivotal role, you will oversee aspects of production, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance are consistently met. You'll manage and motivate a skilled team, optimize production schedules, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce costs.

With a strong focus on operational performance and cost management, you will collaborate across departments to meet key business objectives and deliver high-quality products on time.

• Competitive pay
• 12.5% annual bonus
• 7% employer pension contribution
• Personal healthcare cover with Bupa
• Life assurance
• 27 days holiday + bank holidays
• Purchase extra holiday scheme
• Access to employee benefits platform and flexible benefits such as additional healthcare cover, healthcare cash plan, dental insurance, car scheme, activities pass financial services, and will writing services.

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production, fostering strong partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders. You will support the Factory Manager in setting and aligning site and departmental goals with the broader business strategy. Full accountability for managing the production budget, including labor and materials, will be yours, while ensuring optimal Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) through regular reviews and collaboration with sales, forecasting, and planning teams.

You will report on KPIs (SQDCP), interpreting data and developing action plans to drive performance. Ensuring the site's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are up-to-date, fit for purpose, and well‑trained will be key, alongside maintaining audit readiness and compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS). You will manage staffing levels to meet demand and cost targets, inspiring and motivating your team to meet objectives.

Leading continuous improvement initiatives to enhance OEE and yield, promoting health and safety practices, and fostering collaboration across departments are essential. You will manage and contribute to various site projects, define competency levels, and develop training programs to strengthen the team. Conducting annual appraisals, regular one‑on‑ones, and supporting Factory engagement programs will be part of your leadership duties, along with covering for the Factory Manager and ensuring continuity in key roles during shifts.

As an experienced Production Manager ideally in the food manufacturing industry you will have a strong background in overseeing and optimizing production processes within a fast‑paced, quality‑driven environment.

• Food manufacturing expertise:
  Proven track record in the food sector with knowledge of industry‑specific regulations (HACCP, GMP, food safety standards) and food production processes.
• Leadership and team management:
  Significant experience managing and motivating large teams, with a focus on performance management, training, and development.
• Production planning and control:
  Expertise in scheduling and inventory management, optimizing production efficiency, reducing waste, and managing costs.
• Continuous improvement:
  Experience implementing Lean or Six Sigma methodologies to enhance operational efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Budget and financial management:
  Strong financial acumen, ability to manage production budgets, monitor costs, and work toward cost reduction targets while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Health, safety, and compliance:
  Deep understanding of health and safety regulations in a manufacturing setting and experience ensuring compliance with legal and company standards.
• Problem solving and decision making:
  Proven ability to solve complex production issues quickly and effectively, minimizing disruption.
• Communication and stakeholder management:
  Strong communication skills to work with cross‑functional teams (sales,…