Production Manager in Cheshire, Runcorn

Requisition ID 66512 Position Type FT Permanent Workplace Arrangement #LI-Onsite About KerryKerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition partner for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Working behind the scenes, every day we partner with customers to solve the world's most complex food challenges with our range of differentiated ingredients, technologies, and people. We are passionate about what we do and are constantly innovating to create a healthier, more enjoyable, and sustainable food future without compromise.

We are driven to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition and will reach over two billion consumers with sustainable nutrition solutions by 2030.Our Safety purpose "we work together in a caring culture where everybody goes home safe every day". We are committed to providing a safe working environment and ensuring that all safety protocols are strictly followed. Join us in creating a workplace where safety is everyone's responsibility.

About the roleWe are recruiting a Production Manager for our liquid flavour manufacturing facility in Runcorn. As a key member of the Site Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will lead all production activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and fully compliant operations across the site.

This role is responsible for delivering production plans, driving operational performance, developing high-performing teams, and maintaining the highest standards in quality, health and safety, customer service and cost control.

Working in close partnership with Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, New Product Development (NPD), and Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) teams, you will provide leadership across manufacturing operations, support the achievement of business objectives and foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and employee engagement. This is a full-time from Monday to Friday, permanent, site-based role located in Runcorn.

Key responsibilitiesSafety, Health & EnvironmentChampion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with Health & Safety standardsDrive continuous improvement (CI) through training, audits and risk managementProduction LeadershipDrive operational performance through planning, resource management and CIImprove key metrics including OEE, productivity, service levels and waste reductionPeople Management & DevelopmentLead and develop a team of approximately 40 employeesDrive performance, succession planning and employee engagementQuality & Food SafetyEnsure compliance with GMP, HACCP, BRCGS, customer requirements, and food safety standardsDrive quality performance, product compliance and corrective actions in partnership with Quality teamContinuous Improvement & Operational ExcellenceLead Lean Manufacturing and CI initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste and optimise processesFoster a culture of problem-solving and data-driven decision-makingFinancial & Operational PerformanceManage budgets, control costs,and support site performance objectivesContribute to capital projects and long-term business growthSenior LeadershipParticipate to site strategy and decision-making as a member of the Senior Leadership TeamCollaborate across functions to deliver business objectives and support change initiativesQualifications and skillsDegree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Food Science, Operations Management, or a related disciplineRecognised Health & Safety qualification Demonstrable leadership experience managing large production teams in a manufacturing settingSignificant production management experience within food, beverage, flavour, ingredient, chemical, or related process manufacturing environmentsStrong understanding of food safety standards, GMP, HACCP, and quality systemsExperience of budget management and performance reportingDemonstrable experience driving continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.

We will offerJoin a collaborative site of around 70 employees where you'll have real visibility across the operation and the opportunity to work closely with teams across Production, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain. With a technologically advanced manufacturing environment and a seat on the Senior Leadership Team, this role offers broad exposure, continuous learning, and the opportunity to further develop your leadership career within a global organisation.

We also offerCompetitive salary and benefits package25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)Private HealthcareMatched pension scheme up to 10%Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)Career development opportunities within a global organisationPerkbox platform offering discounts and offers with major retailers.

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a "starter kit," investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.

Recruiter #LI-SR1 Posting Type LIPlease note We do not accept CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies where terms of business have not been signed. Additionally, we will not consider or agree to payment of any recruiter fee under these circumstances. This also applies to CVs or candidate profiles sent directly to any Kerry Hiring Managers. In the event that speculative CVs or candidate profiles are submitted by recruitment agencies, we reserve the right to contact these candidates directly and consider them for current or future vacancies without any financial obligation to the recruitment agency.

Job SummaryJob number: 66512Date posted : 2026-09-09Profession: Manufacturing/ProductionEmployment type: Full time