Head of Production

Our client, a fast-growing and well-established food manufacturing business based in Cheltenham, has an exciting new opportunity for a Head of Production to join their team on a full-time, permanent basis due to continued business growth.

The successful Head of Production should have:

• Substantial experience in food manufacturing, ideally within a fast-paced production environment
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams
• Strong knowledge of Health & Safety, Food Safety, HACCP, allergen management and BRCGS standards
• Experience managing production performance, budgets, labour costs, waste and yield
• A hands-on, commercially aware and continuous improvement-focused approach to production

In this role, the Head of Production will be responsible for:

• Taking full ownership of day-to-day Production across multiple shifts, ensuring efficient output and high-quality standards
• Leading, coaching and developing Production teams, including direct management of three Shift Managers
• Managing production schedules, resources and KPIs to maximise efficiency, minimise downtime and meet customer requirements
• Taking accountability for production budgets, labour costs, yield and waste, driving operational and financial performance
• Championing Food Safety, Health & Safety, allergen management and BRCGS compliance across the production operation
• Working collaboratively with Planning, Logistics, Technical, Engineering and Commercial teams to deliver continuous improvement and business growth
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, productivity and automation while reducing waste and operational costs
• Providing clear performance reporting to the senior leadership team and contributing to wider business strategy

competitive salary, dependent on experience, plus an excellent benefits package

• 28 days' holiday including bank holidays
• additional holiday after one year
• workplace pension
• paid Christmas shutdown day
• employee referral bonus
• recognition award scheme
• employee assistance programme
• wellbeing support
• free onsite parking

The role is fully onsite, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with flexibility required due to the nature of the position.