At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage day-to-day production in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established food manufacturer in Hampshire with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Monday to Friday schedule, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Join a close-knit team where your contributions are valued and recognised.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on production while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and a hands-on leadership approach.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Food Manufacturing | Hampshire | Competitive Salary + Benefits
Monday to Friday (Days)
There's a moment in every growing business where the person on the shop floor stops being 'the one who covers everything' and becomes the one who runs the show. If you're a Shift Manager or Production Supervisor who's ready for that moment, this is it.
Our client is a well-established food manufacturer based in Hampshire, and they're on a genuine growth curve with new volume and new energy on the factory floor. What hasn't changed, and what they're determined to protect as they scale, is the culture: hands-on, people-first, and small enough that everyone still knows everyone's name. This isn't a business where the Production Manager sits in an office reading reports. It's one where you're on the floor, in the detail, alongside the team, making things happen.
They're now looking for someone to take the reins of the day-to-day production facility, someone ready to step up, take ownership, and grow into the role as the business grows around them.
The Role
Picture this: it's 6am, the first shift is filing in, and you're already walking the floor, checking the lines are set, the team's briefed, and yesterday's snags have been ironed out before they become today's problems. That's the rhythm of this role. You'll be the person the site turns to when something needs deciding, and the person driving standards up every single day.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Owning day-to-day production planning and scheduling, making sure output, quality and efficiency targets are consistently hit
- Leading, motivating and developing the production team and building a culture of accountability and pride in the work
- Driving continuous improvement across the site, spotting where process, efficiency or waste can be tightened up
- Ensuring full compliance with food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards (BRC/SALSA-type environment)
- Managing labour, materials and resource planning to keep production running smoothly and cost-effectively
- Working closely with quality, engineering, technical and planning teams to keep the whole site moving in sync
- Reporting on performance, KPIs and production issues to senior management, and being a visible, credible presence on the floor
What They're Looking For
Here's the part that matters most: this client isn't hunting for a Production Manager with ten years of the exact same title on their CV. They're looking for someone with the right attitude, the right instincts, and the appetite to grow into a bigger role.
That means Shift Managers and Production Supervisors are very much encouraged to apply, particularly those who are ambitious, hands-on, and hungry for the next step in their career. If you've been quietly running your shift brilliantly and thinking 'I could do this on a bigger scale,' this is exactly the opportunity you've been waiting for.
You'll likely have:
- Experience in a food manufacturing environment (essential), ideally within FMCG or a fast-paced production setting
- A track record of leading, coaching or supervising a team, even if not yet at full Production Manager level
- A genuinely hands-on approach – you're comfortable on the floor, not just behind a desk
- Strong working knowledge of food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards
- The ambition and willingness to learn, with support from the business to grow into the role
- Natural leadership qualities, clear communication, calm under pressure, and a knack for bringing people with you
Why This Role
This is a business investing in its people as much as its production lines. As the company grows, so will the opportunities within this role has genuine scope for progression as the site expands, with the chance to shape processes and build a team culture from a position of real influence.
It's an intimate, people-driven environment where your contribution won't get lost in a big corporate structure, you'll be known, you'll be heard, and you'll see the direct impact of your work. If you want a role where you can make your mark and grow alongside a business that's genuinely going places, this is it.
Interested? Get in touch for a confidential conversation about the role, the business, and where it could take you.
Production Manager in Basingstoke employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in Basingstoke
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like All The Top Bananas, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to All The Top Bananas specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with All The Top Bananas, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like All The Top Bananas value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
