Production Manager

Production Manager

Full-Time 45000 - 51000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Emma Bridgewater

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a high-performing manufacturing operation and inspire teams to achieve excellence.
  • Company: Join Emma Bridgewater, a certified B Corp focused on craftsmanship and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Supportive workplace culture, opportunities for growth, and commitment to employee wellbeing.
  • Other info: Be part of a journey towards operational excellence and responsible manufacturing.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while creating beautiful products that capture joy.
  • Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for developing people.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 51000 £ per year.

At Emma Bridgewater, we make lovely things that help capture moments of joy. From a favourite mug to a well-loved plate or bowl, the pieces we create become part of everyday life and the stories people tell. We care deeply about the people who work here. Everyone at Emma Bridgewater plays a part in our success, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued and able to grow. We're proud to be a certified B Corp, combining craftsmanship, sustainability and purpose in everything we do. We're now looking for a Production Manager to join our team and help shape the future of our manufacturing operation.

We are looking for a strong and inspiring leader who is driven to achieve results, passionate about developing people and committed to creating a safe, high-performing culture. Curious, detail-focused and optimistic, you'll thrive on continuous improvement, champion quality in everything you do, and bring the energy and enthusiasm needed to deliver operational excellence while leading teams through the next stage of our journey.

Key Responsibilities
  • As a member of the Production Leadership Team, the Production Manager is responsible for leading a safe, efficient and high-performing manufacturing operation.
  • The role is accountable for delivering operational performance through strong leadership, employee development, cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement.
  • The Production Manager will create a culture where safety, quality, engagement and operational excellence are embedded in everyday activities while ensuring production objectives are achieved in line with business strategy.
Compliance and Health & Safety
  • Lead and champion a proactive zero-harm culture across the factory.
  • Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental and operational standards.
  • Drive safety performance through audits, investigations, risk management and continuous improvement.
  • Create an environment where every colleague feels empowered to work safely and speak up.
People Leadership
  • Build, inspire and develop high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring and strong leadership.
  • Support Team Leaders and Supervisors to grow their capability and confidence.
  • Drive engagement, wellbeing and a culture of accountability, collaboration and respect.
  • Lead performance management, succession planning, recruitment and skills development initiatives.
  • Champion an inclusive workplace aligned to our B Corp values and purpose-led culture.
Delivering Operational Excellence
  • Lead the safe and efficient delivery of production plans, ensuring quality, service and cost targets are achieved.
  • Optimise labour, materials and resources to maximise productivity and performance.
  • Work closely with Planning, Engineering, Quality and Supply Chain teams to achieve business objectives.
  • Monitor operational KPIs, identify risks and take decisive action to maintain performance.
  • Drive equipment reliability and operational efficiency through strong cross-functional partnerships.
Continuous Improvement & Quality
  • Embed a culture of continuous improvement focused on safety, quality, productivity and people development.
  • Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving activities to eliminate recurring issues.
  • Reduce waste, downtime and operational losses through Lean Manufacturing principles.
  • Develop and maintain robust operating standards and best practices.
  • Ensure products consistently meet customer expectations and quality standards.
Sustainability & B Corp Leadership
  • Champion responsible manufacturing practices that support our B Corp commitments.
  • Drive initiatives that improve environmental performance alongside operational efficiency.
  • Promote waste reduction, resource efficiency and sustainable ways of working.
  • Support ESG objectives through effective monitoring, reporting and employee engagement.
  • Ensure business decisions consider their impact on people, communities and the environment.
Other Responsibilities
  • Displaying behaviour consistent with the personality of the business.
  • Conducting any other reasonable tasks as required by the business.
  • Undertaking training and development relevant to the role.
  • Working in a safe manner taking care for your own health and safety.
  • Ensuring your work environment is safe, clean, and tidy.

If you’re passionate about developing people, driving operational excellence and making a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply your interest at Emma Bridgewater and support the creation of not only beautiful products, but a workplace and future we’re all proud to be part of.

Production Manager employer: Emma Bridgewater

At Emma Bridgewater, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values craftsmanship, sustainability, and the well-being of our team. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, empowering employees to thrive in a high-performing environment while championing safety and quality. As a certified B Corp, we are committed to responsible manufacturing practices, making this an inspiring place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.

Emma Bridgewater

Contact Details:

Emma Bridgewater Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Production Manager

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 Emma Bridgewater, 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

Leadership Skills
Health and Safety Compliance
Continuous Improvement
Coaching and Mentoring
Operational Excellence
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Root Cause Analysis

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 Emma Bridgewater 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 Emma Bridgewater

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Emma Bridgewater, 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 Emma Bridgewater 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.