At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production teams to deliver high-quality food products on time and to specification.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturing operation in Warrenpoint, Newry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a focus on health and safety.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while driving performance and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in food production management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Warrenpoint, Newry, Northern Ireland
Reports To: Manufacturing Manager
Department: Operations
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000
Overview
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Production Manager to join a leading food manufacturing operation. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring that the Production Department delivers all products on time, in full, and to specification, while maintaining the highest standards in Health & Safety (H&S), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), food safety, and quality. The successful candidate will lead and optimise the Production function, drive performance, and collaborate closely with Technical, NPD, Logistics, Procurement, and Sales Order teams to ensure efficient operations and exceptional customer service.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all aspects of Production, ensuring chilled and frozen products are completed On Time In Full (OTIF) and to the agreed specifications.
- Manage picking and dispatch performance for traded goods.
- Ensure product quality, cost control, and compliance standards are consistently met.
People Management
- Lead and develop Production personnel, ensuring staffing levels, onboarding, and training requirements are met.
- Foster a positive culture focused on performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Operational Efficiency & Cost Control
- Monitor ingredient and packaging usage in line with agreed specifications and cost standards.
- Oversee stock control, yield performance, and waste reduction strategies.
- Ensure labour costs and line efficiencies align with financial targets.
Compliance & Standards
- Ensure adherence to H&S, Food Safety, BRCGS requirements, and company policies.
- Maintain a high standard of GMP across all shifts and production areas.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Support the NPD team with factory trials and new product introductions.
- Work with Engineering and Maintenance to ensure equipment reliability, preventive maintenance, and contingency planning.
- Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives, process standardisation, and ongoing operational improvements.
- Contribute to sustainability initiatives and support site-wide operational excellence projects.
Requirements
- Demonstrable experience in a senior production or manufacturing management role within the food industry.
- Proven track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams and achieving production KPIs.
- Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes, automation, compliance, and quality standards.
- Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills.
- Proficiency in performance monitoring, KPI management, and production reporting.
- Ability to work under pressure with a hands-on, solution-focused approach.
- Experience with continuous improvement methodologies and Lean Manufacturing.
- Strong people management and team development experience.
KPIs (Reviewed Annually)
- Labour cost per unit for fresh and frozen products
- Units Per Hour (UPH) for fresh and frozen lines
- On-Time In-Full (OTIF) delivery performance
Production Manager in Newry employer: Bell Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Bell Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in Newry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Production Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want to see you shine, so practice answering common questions related to production management and be ready to share your success stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, highlight your experience in managing teams and driving performance. We love to hear about how you’ve fostered a positive culture and achieved KPIs in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to make an impact in food manufacturing.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager in Newry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Manager role. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved production processes in the past.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics to demonstrate how you've met or exceeded KPIs in previous roles. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bell Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food manufacturing processes and compliance standards. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed production KPIs in the past, as this will show that you understand the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led multi-disciplinary teams and fostered a positive culture in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where you developed team members or improved performance, as this is crucial for the Production Manager position.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle operational challenges, such as ensuring On Time In Full (OTIF) delivery or managing costs. Think through potential scenarios and have a structured approach ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss your experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies. Be prepared to share how you've implemented these strategies in past roles to enhance efficiency and reduce waste, as this aligns with the company's goals.