At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production teams and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, 25 days holiday, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainability while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume manufacturing and strong team leadership skills.
As Production Manager, you will be responsible for leading the site's Production operation including Conversion and Corrugator, managing multiple processes that directly influence customer quality, service and cost. Reporting to the General Manager, you will lead multi-shift teams across a range of activities in a dynamic and customer-focused manufacturing environment.
You will have full accountability for operational performance, ensuring production plans are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. The role demands strong organisational skills, the ability to balance competing priorities, and a hands-on leadership style that drives ownership and accountability at all levels.
Working in close collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Operational Excellence and Cluster teams, you will focus on maximising asset utilisation, improving changeovers, reducing waste and driving continuous improvement. You will be expected to develop capable, engaged teams, embed standard operating practices and use data and KPIs to drive sustained performance improvement.
This role is ideal for a resilient and commercially minded production leader who enjoys managing complexity, improving processes and delivering results through strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities- Lead, manage and develop multi-shift conversion teams, driving continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery, cost and engagement
- Ensure customer orders are delivered on time, in full and to specification, balancing capacity, quality and cost
- Work closely with the Engineering Manager to ensure equipment is fully calibrated, well maintained and operating to standard, including effective preventive maintenance planning
- Optimise conversion processes including printing, die-cutting and folding through effective control of ink usage, tooling condition, feed rates and changeovers
- Analyse KPIs and performance data, including waste, downtime and quality metrics, to identify trends and improvement opportunities
- Collaborate with Planning, Supply Chain and Cluster teams to optimise machine utilisation and production scheduling
- Ensure effective preparation and organisation of inks, stereos and tooling to support efficient production
- Develop team capability through coaching, training, performance reviews and structured development plans
- Work closely with the Quality Manager to ensure adherence to quality standards and to reduce customer complaints
- Proven experience leading teams in a corrugated or high-volume manufacturing environment
- Strong knowledge of conversion processes including printing, die-cutting and folding
- A confident, data-driven people leader with experience managing multi-shift operations
- Excellent communication skills
- Proficient at using Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook
- Ability to prioritise and problem solve
- Competitive salary
- Qualifying Sick Pay scheme
- Pension scheme & Life insurance
- Share Save scheme
- Income Protection
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Virtual GP, Occupational Health & free Flu vaccine
- Cycle to Work and shopping discounts
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Production Manager in Newmarket employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in Newmarket
✨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 Newmarket
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.
