At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise production in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Branston, a leader in food manufacturing with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Company bonus, enhanced pension, private health insurance, and more perks.
- Other info: Join a culture of continuous improvement and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on performance and team development in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior production management and strong analytical skills required.
Branston is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Production Manager to drive operational excellence across our production facilities. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role suited to candidates who have managed large teams in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment and thrive in KPI-driven settings. You will take full ownership of shift performance, cost efficiency, quality standards, and team development, while leading a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellence. If you are passionate about data-driven decision-making, cost analysis, and delivering measurable results—this is your opportunity to make a real impact.
Shift Pattern
A Shift – 06:30 to 19:00
Week 1: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Week 2: Sunday, Monday and Tuesday
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Analyse production data and short interval controls to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, optimise costs, and enhance quality.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Technical teams to improve machine reliability and performance.
- Drive reductions in downtime by analysing start times, breaks, and operational delays.
- Identify opportunities to reduce packaging waste and maximise crop utilisation.
- Reporting & Compliance
- Deliver detailed performance reports covering KPIs such as giveaway, waste, downtime, and labour efficiency.
- Support investigations relating to Health & Safety, GMP, SOP compliance, and non-conformances.
- Ensure accurate documentation and alignment across Section Managers and shift teams.
- Labour Management & Planning
- Forecast labour requirements based on production plans and operational demands.
- Monitor labour KPIs, validate agency usage, and manage daily labour tracking.
- Investigate discrepancies and ensure optimal workforce deployment.
- Provide leadership cover for Section Managers where required.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop large production teams to achieve business objectives.
- Conduct 1:1s, performance reviews, and development planning.
- Oversee onboarding and training of new starters, ensuring strong performance from day one.
- Build succession plans and develop future leaders within the operation.
- Shift Accountability & Culture
- Take full accountability for shift performance across productivity, safety, and quality metrics.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Lead by example, promoting company values in all interactions.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in senior production management within food manufacturing.
- Strong track record of managing large teams in a KPI-driven environment.
- Advanced analytical and data interpretation skills, with experience driving improvements through insight.
- Demonstrated experience in cost analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Proficient in systems such as Excel and reporting tools.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
- Strong commitment to health & safety, GMP, and quality standards.
Why Join Branston?
- Opportunity to lead at a senior level in a high-performing food manufacturing environment.
- A role with real influence over performance, cost, and continuous improvement strategy.
- Work within a business that values innovation, people development, and operational excellence.
Benefits
- Company bonus scheme (up to 7.5%)
- Enhanced pension contributions
- Private Health Insurance
- Life Assurance & critical illness cover
- Onsite Parking
- Free fruit & potatoes
- Electric salary sacrifice car scheme
- Flu vaccines
- Refer a friend scheme
If you’re a results-driven leader with a passion for data, performance, and people, we want to hear from you.
Senior Production Manager in Branston employer: Branston Potatoes
Branston is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a clear progression pathway towards roles such as Maintenance Manager or Engineering Manager. With a strong focus on safety and continuous improvement, our Lincoln site fosters a collaborative work culture where your ideas can make a real impact, complemented by benefits like enhanced pension contributions, a discretionary company bonus, and even free potatoes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Production Manager in Branston
✨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 Branston Potatoes, 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 Senior Production Manager in Branston
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 Branston Potatoes 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 Branston Potatoes
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Branston Potatoes, 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 Branston Potatoes 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.
