At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the production floor, ensuring efficiency and quality in a hands-on role.
- Company: Goldstein Smoked Salmon, a growing manufacturer with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Opportunity for genuine progression and impact in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Be part of a company investing in its future and your growth.
- Why this job: Join a team that values hands-on leadership and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: North London
Company: Goldstein Smoked Salmon
Role Type: Full-time, factory-based
About Us
Goldstein Smoked Salmon is a long-established smoked salmon manufacturer based in North London. We are a growing business with strong ambitions, investing heavily in automation, machinery, improved systems and better ways of working across our factory.
We are looking for a hands-on Production Manager who wants to be on the factory floor, leading people, improving standards and making sure production runs properly every day. This is not an office-based role. We are looking for someone who is comfortable being present in the factory, working closely with supervisors, operatives, engineering, technical and senior management to drive performance, discipline, productivity and consistency.
The Role
The Production Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day running of production within the factory, ensuring that orders are produced safely, efficiently, to specification and on time. This role would suit someone currently working as a strong Production Supervisor, Shift Supervisor or Assistant Production Manager who is ready to take the next step into management. We are looking for someone ambitious, practical and highly visible on the factory floor.
You will be expected to lead by example, support and challenge supervisors, manage staff performance, improve productivity and help create a stronger culture of accountability within the factory.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the day-to-day operation of the production floor.
- Ensure production targets are met safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards.
- Be present on the factory floor, actively managing people, processes and standards.
- Lead, support and develop production supervisors and team leaders.
- Monitor staff performance, productivity, attendance, conduct and timekeeping.
- Help improve discipline, structure and accountability across the production team.
- Ensure production plans are followed and issues are dealt with quickly.
- Work closely with technical, quality, hygiene, engineering and dispatch teams.
- Ensure food safety, hygiene and health and safety procedures are followed at all times.
- Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
- Support the introduction of new machinery, automation and improved production processes.
- Help train staff and ensure employees understand what is expected of them.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping, organisation and factory discipline.
- Communicate clearly with senior management about production performance, issues and improvements.
- Step in where needed to solve problems and keep production moving.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who is hands-on, practical and comfortable spending most of their time in the factory rather than in the office. The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience working in food manufacturing, ideally in chilled, fresh, seafood or high-care production.
- Previous experience as a Production Supervisor, Shift Supervisor, Team Leader or Production Manager.
- A strong understanding of factory discipline, labour management and production efficiency.
- The confidence to manage people fairly but firmly.
- A practical, problem-solving approach.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work with different departments.
- Good attention to detail and a commitment to quality and food safety.
- The ability to work under pressure in a fast-moving production environment.
- A desire to progress and grow with the business.
- A willingness to be highly visible and actively involved on the factory floor.
What We Do Not Want
This role is not suitable for someone who wants to manage production mainly from an office. We need someone who wants to be involved, present and hands-on — someone who understands that good production management happens on the factory floor, with the team, not behind a desk.
Personal Qualities
- Hands-on and proactive.
- Firm but fair.
- Organised and reliable.
- Confident managing people.
- Calm under pressure.
- Ambitious and keen to progress.
- Practical rather than overly corporate.
- Comfortable challenging poor performance.
- Focused on standards, productivity and continuous improvement.
Why Join Us?
This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to grow into a proper production management role within a business that is investing in its future. You will have the chance to make a real impact, improve how the factory runs and become an important part of the company’s next stage of growth. For the right person, this role offers genuine progression and the opportunity to develop with the business.
Production Manager – Factory Based in London employer: Goldstein Salmon
Goldstein Smoked Salmon is an excellent employer for those seeking a hands-on role in production management within a dynamic and growing environment. Located in North London, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development and offers opportunities for genuine progression as it invests in automation and improved systems. With a focus on accountability and performance, employees can expect to make a meaningful impact while working closely with a dedicated team on the factory floor.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager – Factory Based in London
✨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 Goldstein Salmon, 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 – Factory Based in London
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 Goldstein Salmon 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 Goldstein Salmon
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Goldstein Salmon, 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 Goldstein Salmon 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.
