We are working with a well-established chilled food manufacturer looking to appoint an experienced Production Manager to lead operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
This role is responsible for driving operational performance across production, ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. You will play a key role in leading teams, improving efficiencies, delivering customer expectations, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the site.
The successful candidate will have strong experience within chilled, high-care, or fast-moving food manufacturing and be comfortable operating within a demanding production environment.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Operational Management
Lead daily production operations across processing, preparation, packing, and dispatch activities.
Deliver production plans in line with service, quality, labour, and cost targets.
Monitor and improve KPIs including yield, waste, labour efficiency, downtime, and OTIF performance.
Ensure production schedules are achieved while maintaining high standards of food safety and quality.
Manage operational challenges and respond effectively to changing production demands.
Food Safety & Quality
Ensure full compliance with HACCP, BRCGS, customer standards, and all legal requirements.
Maintain strong hygiene and environmental standards within a high-care chilled manufacturing environment.
Support internal, customer, and third-party audits.
Drive a strong food safety culture across all production teams.
Ensure traceability, allergen controls, and documentation are maintained accurately.
Lead, motivate, and develop production teams to achieve operational objectives.
Manage staffing levels and labour planning in line with production requirements.
Support training and development across production teams.
Promote strong communication and accountability across departments.
Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
Support continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing operation.
Work closely with Engineering, Technical, Planning, and other departments to improve site performance.
Assist with new product introductions, process improvements, and operational projects.
Health & Safety
Promote a positive health & safety culture across the site.
Ensure safe systems of work are followed at all times.
Maintain compliance with company and legal H&S standards.
Skills & Experience Required
Previous experience in a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, or Senior Production leadership role within chilled food manufacturing.
Strong experience within chilled, high-care, or fast-moving food production.
Good understanding of HACCP, BRCGS, food safety, and hygiene standards.
Proven ability to lead teams within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong operational, people management, and problem-solving skills.
Experience driving continuous improvement and operational efficiencies.
Experience working with retailer-facing food manufacturing businesses.
Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
Exposure to high-care chilled production environments.
What's on Offer
Opportunity to join a growing and evolving chilled food manufacturing business.
Strong platform for progression and development.
Fast-paced operational environment with ongoing improvement projects.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
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