At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage production operations, ensuring efficiency and quality.
- Company: Join GWP Group, a top UK packaging manufacturer with 75 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, and flexible employee benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal and professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a sustainable industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 46350 - 56650 £ per year.
Location: Cricklade (Swindon area)
Package: Salary up to £50,000 (depending on experience) + Bonus & Benefits
Hours: 40 total (Monday to Friday)
Rotating Shifts: (Week 1: 07:00-15:00/Week 2: 15:15-23:15)
The Company GWP Group / Macfarlane Packaging, one of the UK's leading packaging manufacturers, are looking for a Production Manager to join our established team. You will become part of a business established for over 75 years, with a strong history of distributing and producing sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging.
The Production Manager Role: The Production Managers are responsible for leading manufacturing operations at the site, ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality production in line with business objectives and customer requirements. This role provides leadership across multi-shift operations, driving performance, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement while developing a high-performing production team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage all production activities to ensure output targets, quality standards, and delivery schedules are consistently achieved.
- Drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement across all manufacturing processes.
- Take ownership of production execution, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to meet business demands.
- Develop, coach, and lead production teams, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and high performance.
- Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and quality standards across all operations.
- Monitor and manage performance against KPIs, implementing corrective actions where required.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure effective communication, planning, and problem resolution.
- Contribute to the overall operational strategy, supporting business growth and continuous improvement initiatives.
What you'll bring:
We are looking for a confident and experienced Production Manager with a strong background in manufacturing environments, ideally within the packaging sector. You will be a natural leader, capable of managing and developing teams while maintaining a clear focus on performance, quality, and continuous improvement.
Key skills and experience include:
- Proven experience managing production within a manufacturing environment (corrugated packaging experience beneficial).
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to engage, develop, and motivate teams.
- A structured and proactive approach to managing performance and driving efficiency.
- Experience working with production planning systems and KPI reporting.
- A practical understanding of health & safety and quality requirements in manufacturing.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- A forward-thinking mindset with the ability to contribute to operational improvements.
Desirable (not essential):
- IOSH or Nebosh health & safety qualification.
- Lean manufacturing knowledge (Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc.).
- Leadership or management qualification (ILM, CMI or similar).
What you'll get:
We provide a competitive basic starting salary and operate a rewarding bonus scheme. The flexible employee benefits can include:
- 23 days annual leave plus all public / bank holidays.
- Long service awards (10-40 years).
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Free on-site parking.
- Employee assistance programme to support and advise with well-being and any issues.
Next Steps/How to Apply:
We are working swiftly to find the best applicants and hope to hold local interviews ASAP. Please click apply' to submit your up-to-date CV. All applications will be acknowledged. If you haven't heard from us within three weeks, please assume your application was unsuccessful.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds irrespective of your age, gender, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender expression, religion or sexual orientation. Should you require any specific support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please email our recruitment team directly. No recruitment agencies please.
Production Manager employer: Macfarlane Packaging
Gottlieb Packaging Materials, part of Macfarlane Group plc, is an excellent employer located in Trafford Park, Manchester, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside competitive salaries and benefits, including 25 days of annual leave and a company pension scheme. Our collaborative culture encourages long-term career progression, making it an ideal place for individuals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the packaging distribution sector.
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 Macfarlane Packaging, 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 Macfarlane Packaging 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 Macfarlane Packaging
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Macfarlane Packaging, 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 Macfarlane Packaging 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.