At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead day-to-day production operations and drive performance improvements.
- Company: Established chemical manufacturing company with a strong reputation for quality and service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a company committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on leadership role within a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in production or engineering leadership with a focus on process improvement.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.
Production Manager Based in Greater Manchester
The Company
A well-established, privately owned chemical manufacturing company with over 30 years’ experience supplying specialist materials into industrial markets, building a strong reputation for technical expertise, product quality and customer service.
Operating from a modern manufacturing facility in the North West, the business has invested significantly in its production capabilities, infrastructure and people, supporting continued growth and long-term customer partnerships.
Reporting to the Director of Sales & Technical, you will take responsibility for the safe, efficient and effective day-to-day management of Production, leading our Production Supervisors and Operatives to deliver customer requirements safely, on time and to the required quality standards.
This is a hands-on production leadership role that bridges technical and engineering expertise with operational management.
You will work collaboratively across Planning, Technical, Quality and Engineering to optimise manufacturing processes, improve plant reliability and performance, and develop a culture focused on safety, quality, accountability and Right First-Time performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading day-to-day manufacturing operations and driving production performance.
- Managing, coaching and developing Production Supervisors and Operatives.
- Driving Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Improving productivity, material yield, Right First-Time performance and manufacturing efficiency.
- Reducing waste, downtime, rework and process variation.
- Driving plant reliability through effective preventative and predictive maintenance and the prioritisation of engineering and maintenance activities.
- Leading and supporting manufacturing engineering projects focused on process improvement, automation, capacity enhancement and operational efficiency.
- Supporting the introduction of new equipment, products and manufacturing processes, ensuring effective handover, documentation, training and operational readiness.
- Ensuring high standards of health, safety, environmental and quality compliance.
- Using production data and KPIs to identify issues, inform decision-making and drive sustainable improvement.
The Person
- An experienced production, manufacturing or engineering leader with a strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes, production equipment and process control.
- A visible, hands-on leadership style with strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to develop teams, improve processes and deliver measurable operational improvements.
- Comfortable working at both an operational and technical level, identifying opportunities to improve plant, processes and manufacturing capability while maintaining a strong focus on people, safety, quality and customer delivery.
- Experience within masterbatch, polymer processing, compounding, chemical or process manufacturing would be particularly advantageous, as would a relevant engineering or technical qualification and experience of Lean/continuous improvement methodologies.
- If you are an experienced manufacturing leader who enjoys being close to the operation, developing people and using technical and engineering knowledge to drive improvements in plant performance, manufacturing capability, safety and quality, we would be pleased to hear from you..
Please understand that due to the expected high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly
For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided.
All personal designations apply equally to all genders.
For UK roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the United Kingdom.
Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.
Why select Listgrove? · Five Decades of Market Intelligence · Unrivalled Industry Networks · Recognised International brand · HR Qualified Professionals
To hear from our clients on how we have supported their search for talent and HR needs, please visit Listgrove’s Case Studies page.
Throughout 2026 & 2027 you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions: Interpack, France Innovation Plasturgie, Interplas UK, Plast Milan, Fakuma, Arab Plast, NPE 2027.
Performance through People.
Listgrove Limited Registered in England No: (phone number removed)
Production Manager employer: Listgrove
Listgrove Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the plastics and chemicals sectors. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the company provides ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement, all while maintaining a supportive culture that values teamwork and individual contributions. Located in the UK, Listgrove's established reputation and extensive industry networks make it an attractive place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
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 Listgrove, 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
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 Listgrove 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 Listgrove
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Listgrove, 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 Listgrove 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.
