Job Title: Production Excellence Lead
The Production Excellence Lead will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day manufacturing, maintenance, and supply chain functions. This role ensures that production operations run safely, efficiently, and in compliance with food safety standards.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Lead and manage production teams to achieve output, quality, and efficiency targets.
2. Ensure compliance with Food Safety Standard, HACCP, and customer requirements.
3. Oversee planning and scheduling of production to meet customer demand and delivery deadlines.
4. Drive a culture of continuous improvement (CI), lean manufacturing, and waste reduction.
5. Manage and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), downtime, waste, yield, and labour efficiency.
6. Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are in place and effectively executed.
7. Partner with Technical/Quality team to ensure highest standards of hygiene, audit readiness, and traceability.
8. Lead, coach, and develop staff through training, performance management, and succession planning.
9. Oversee site health & safety systems, risk assessments, and promote a strong safety culture.
Requirements:
* Minimum 5 years experience in a food manufacturing operations management role.
* Strong knowledge of HACCP, HSE compliance, and food safety standards.
* Proven track record of managing and motivating production teams in a fast-paced environment.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
* Strong analytical ability with experience in KPI tracking and reporting.
* Experience in lean manufacturing / continuous improvement methodologies.
* Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Degree in Food Technology, Engineering, Business Management, or related discipline.
* Key Competencies: Leadership & People Management, Results Driven, Problem Solving & Decision Making, Attention to Detail, Adaptability & Resilience, Continuous Improvement Mindset.