Limited Production Operations Manager *Internal Only* in Poole

This is currently an internal-only role. Diversity matters. We are building a brand that represents the people of the world. It’s what you do that counts, and we are always looking to expand perspectives and voices to shape our future.

Who we are: You might know us as the inventors of the bath bomb, but there’s more to this great-smelling, partly employee-owned, family-run company than pioneering cosmetics. We believe our business should put more back into the world than it takes and demonstrate that capitalism can be a force for good. The Living Wage Foundation’s statement 'a hard day's work deserves a fair day's pay' is one that we are proud to commit to in the UK. As an accredited Living Wage employer, we put our people first and fight cruel practices like animal testing, promote regeneration, and show that it is what’s inside that counts - whether that’s an ingredient in a product, or the minerals in a smartphone.

About the Role: We are looking for an experienced Limited Production Operations Manager to lead Limited Production, supporting areas that collectively deliver c. £40m+ in sales. This is a senior leadership role, accountable for the performance of multiple production areas through the leadership of department managers, alongside direct line management of key roles within support functions. You will set direction, align priorities, and ensure consistent delivery across ECs, Lustres, Direct Print, Moulds, and associated support teams. While your primary focus is leading through managers, you will also directly lead specific specialist roles, ensuring alignment between production and support functions and strengthening end-to-end operational performance.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team of production managers, ensuring clarity of expectations and consistent delivery.
• Directly manage and develop individuals within support functions, providing clear direction and accountability.
• Hold managers and direct reports accountable for performance, output, and KPIs.
• Ensure strong alignment between production and support teams to enable smooth operational delivery.
• Oversee health & safety, GMP, and regulatory compliance across all areas.
• Ensure production areas are appropriately resourced, trained, and structured for efficiency and growth.
• Drive consistency in ways of working, standards, and reporting across production and support functions.
• Support managers in resolving complex operational challenges and removing barriers to delivery.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across departments, focusing on efficiency, quality, and sustainability.
• Oversee successful delivery of product launches through effective cross-functional coordination.
• Contribute to financial planning, including budgets, capex, and performance tracking.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead through a combination of direct and indirect reports, adapting your leadership style accordingly.
• Coach and develop production managers to build strong, accountable teams.
• Provide clear direction and support to direct reports within support functions.
• Build leadership capability across your management team.
• Create alignment and cohesion across production and support areas through strong communication and shared goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.

You will be a leader who:

• Understands when to lead through others and when to be hands-on.
• Balances empowerment with clear accountability.
• Builds strong relationships across both production and specialist functions.
• Maintains high standards while supporting development.

Operational & Strategic Accountability:

You will have accountability for:

• ECs (Fragrances)
• Lustres
• Direct Print
• Moulds & CNC

With direct line management of selected roles across:

• EC Admin & Compliance
• EC Regulatory Affairs
• EC Customer Service
• EC Quality Control
• Dangerous Goods Specialist
• Limited Procurement

Key areas of ownership include:

• Budgeting and P&L management
• Regulatory compliance (including GMP)
• Health & Safety
• Quality standards
• Stock management
• Risk management (including BCP)
• IP protection and security
• Supply strategy and growth (including R&D collaboration)
• Production, freight, and supply planning
• Product launch and discontinuation planning
• Operational excellence and continuous improvement

You will represent Limited Production in global forums, ensuring strong alignment across the wider business.

Who We’re Looking For:

We’re looking for a commercially aware and people-focused leader who can bring out the best in others while maintaining a clear grip on operational performance. You will combine strong analytical thinking with the ability to communicate clearly, influence effectively, and lead with purpose. You are motivated by delivering high standards, aligned with our values, and comfortable operating across both strategic and operational levels.

Experience & Expertise:

• Significant experience within a manufacturing environment (5+ years), with a strong understanding of production operations.
• Proven ability to lead and develop management teams and personnel across multiple functions.
• Solid experience in regulatory compliance, operational processes, and equipment or asset management.
• Strong understanding of health & safety, quality, and manufacturing best practices (including GMP where applicable).

Skills & Capability:

• Strong communicator, able to engage and influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise effectively and manage competing demands.
• Analytical and data-driven, with the ability to identify trends, risks, and opportunities to inform decision-making.
• Solution-focused, with strong problem-solving capability and sound judgement.
• Able to balance attention to detail with a broader, strategic perspective.

Mindset & Values:

• Passionate about ethical manufacturing and creating fresh, high-quality products.
• Strong awareness of industry trends, innovation, and competitor activity.
• Values-led, with a strong ethical compass and alignment to our brand and beliefs.
• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• 6 months of full pay for parental leave (primary caregiver must qualify for SMP).
• Enhanced paternity leave.
• Bonus scheme.
• Day off for weekday birthdays.
• Holiday purchase scheme.
• 50% discount on Lush products and spa treatments.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discounted rail and bus season tickets.
• Employee assistance programme.

We actively welcome conversations about what working flexibly could mean and look like for you. We’re 10% Employee Owned - all colleagues play a role in protecting our ethics, our independence, contributing ideas for the future and share in the rewards of success when the company is doing well.

Wellbeing & mindfulness sessions. Access to employee-led Community Networks, including Disability and Chronic Illness, Family Support, Global Majority (Race and Ethnicity), LGBTQIA+, Menopause and Neurodiversity communities. Tailored gender affirming care.