Group Production Manager in Ellesmere Port

Our client based in the Ellesmere Port area is looking to recruit a Group Production Manager on a permanent basis. Reporting to the Group Operations Director, you will provide strong, visible leadership across the Ellesmere Port, Deeside and Nantwich production operations, taking full accountability for performance, standards, and delivery. The role will drive a high-performance culture, ensuring production, quality, safety, cost, and delivery targets are consistently achieved and exceeded.

The Group Production Manager will set clear expectations, hold teams to account, and ensure both internal and external customer requirements are met with professionalism, urgency, and consistency. This role requires a decisive leader who can challenge, influence, and control outcomes across multiple sites.

• Operational Leadership & Performance: Take full ownership of production performance across both sites, ensuring delivery against all KPI targets including safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity. Drive a disciplined, results-focused culture with clear accountability at all levels. Ensure production plans are executed effectively, resolving issues quickly and decisively to protect customer delivery. Monitor and control labour, resource, and operational costs in line with business targets.
• People Management & Leadership: Lead, manage, and develop Team Leaders, and wider production teams across both sites. Set clear performance expectations and address underperformance robustly and consistently. Coach, mentor, and develop leadership capability within the team to build strength and succession. Own and drive the appraisal process, linking performance to behaviours and business outcomes. Manage discipline, grievance, and attendance issues in partnership with HR, ensuring timely and professional resolution.
• Customer & Stakeholder Management: Act as the key operational interface for internal and external customers, ensuring expectations are clearly understood and consistently delivered. Maintain professional, credible relationships with customers, responding proactively to issues and driving resolution. Ensure production operations are aligned to customer requirements, quality expectations, and service levels.
• Continuous Improvement & Change Management: Lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles to improve efficiency, quality, and cost performance. Use data, KPIs, and root cause analysis to identify issues and implement sustainable corrective actions. Drive and embed a culture of standardisation, 5S, and waste reduction across both sites. Work closely with Production Engineering and other departments to implement process improvements and new product introductions effectively.
• Quality, Safety & Compliance: Champion a strong Health & Safety culture, ensuring full compliance with legal and company standards at all times. Ensure all production activities meet quality standards, including ISO requirements, and deliver right‑first‑time performance. Hold teams accountable for adherence to procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Logistics & Operations Control: Ensure Goods‑In, Production, and Despatch functions operate effectively and maintain accurate stock control at all times. Drive operational discipline and process adherence to ensure smooth material flow and delivery performance.
• Business Growth & Strategy: Support operational expansion, capacity planning, and strategic initiatives across both sites. Contribute to senior leadership discussions, providing clear reporting and insight into production performance.

• Provide clear, structured reporting on performance and issues to senior management.
• Take ownership of ad hoc projects and responsibilities in line with the needs of the business.

• Minimum of 7+ years’ experience in a senior production/operations role within manufacturing.
• Proven experience managing multi‑site operations or large‑scale production environments.
• Strong track record of delivering and sustaining KPI improvements.
• Experience of ERP/MRP systems and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Demonstrable experience in leading change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Relevant manufacturing or engineering qualification (preferred but not essential).
• Lean / Six Sigma qualification (desirable).
• Strong, authoritative leadership style with the confidence to challenge and hold teams accountable.
• Highly organised and capable of operating in a fast‑paced, demanding environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to influence at all levels and manage both internal and external relationships effectively.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making capability.
• Resilient, driven, and results‑oriented with a clear focus on performance.
• Competent in Health & Safety leadership and compliance.
• Skilled in change management, coaching, and team development.

• 26 days holiday + bank holidays
• Health Care Scheme (Vitality)
• Pension
• Employee recognition scheme

To apply please send your CV to rebecca.brown@gap-personnel.com. gap personnel group is committed to the selection, recruitment and development of the best people, basing judgments solely on suitability for the job.