At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production teams to ensure quality and efficiency in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Fordham, a leader in high-volume manufacturing with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, 25 days holiday, and employee assistance programmes.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and collaborative workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving continuous improvement and leading engaged teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in corrugated or high-volume manufacturing and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About the role
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.
What we’re looking for
- 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.
What we can offer you
- 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.
Production Manager in Fordham employer: DS Smith Europe
As a Quality and Technical Lead in our Packaging Division, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that prioritises continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Our company fosters a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development while working closely with international teams. Located in a vibrant region, we provide a supportive atmosphere where your contributions directly impact our commitment to quality excellence and sustainability.
