Production Manager

Location: On-site
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: -40,000 - -55,000

We are looking for a Production Manager to join a growing operation and take ownership of daily production performance. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who can drive output, improve efficiencies, lead from the front, and maintain high standards across people, process, safety, and delivery.

Day-to-day of the role

• Lead the day-to-day running of the packing and production operation, ensuring output, quality, and delivery targets are consistently achieved.
• Manage goods in, packing activity, and production flow to ensure products are prepared and dispatched to the required specification.
• Plan production schedules, organise shift rotas, and manage attendance, absences, and labour allocation effectively.
• Monitor operational performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements to maximise efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Coordinate machine maintenance and engineering activity, including arranging repairs and sourcing tools or replacement parts when required.
• Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and customers regarding production issues, delays, or raw material shortages.
• Provide regular updates to the management team on production performance, stock levels, and operational risks.
• Oversee stocktakes and support accurate end-of-month reporting across production and packing activity.
• Support audits, site visits, and compliance requirements, while maintaining high standards of health and safety across the shop floor.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Previous people management experience within food production, manufacturing, logistics, or a similar fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong background in production planning, team supervision, and driving performance against operational targets.
• Confident communicator, able to work effectively with colleagues, customers, suppliers, and senior management.
• Practical and visible leadership style, with the credibility to lead from the shop floor and motivate teams positively.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stay calm under pressure.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and experience using systems for reporting, planning, and communication.
• Sound understanding of health and safety, training, and staff performance management.
• Fair, approachable, and decisive, with confidence in handling appraisals, recruitment support, and disciplinary matters.