At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise production in a fast-paced fresh produce environment.
- Company: Dynamic fresh produce company with a strong team culture.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a transitioning operation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of production while driving efficiency and performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Hours: 4 on / 3 off ~ 12-hour days
The Offer:
- Highly competitive salary
- 4 on / 3 off shift pattern (rotating days off e.g. Thurs–Sat or Sun–Tues)
- 33 days holiday
- A supportive environment with a strong team culture
- Opportunity to play a key role in shaping how the operation develops
The Role:
Reporting to the Head of Packing, you will take responsibility for driving efficiency, cost control, and performance across multiple production lines, working closely with fellow Production Managers, Supervisors, and operational teams. Operating within a structure that blends hands‑on production leadership with operational thinking, this role goes beyond day‑to‑day management. You will be expected to understand cost drivers, set targets, and continuously improve how the operation performs.
Key responsibilities:
- Driving performance across intake, production, and despatch areas
- Managing cost per unit, labour efficiency, and waste, identifying gaps and implementing improvements
- Planning and organising production to meet customer demand and tight despatch deadlines
- Leading, motivating, and developing teams, ensuring clear communication and accountability
- Supporting the development of a more structured, performance‑led reporting culture
- Analysing performance and reacting quickly to issues, identifying root causes and implementing next‑day improvements
- Deputising for the Head of Packing when required
The Operation:
- Multi‑line, fast‑paced fresh produce packhouse (7 lines)
- Team of Production Managers working collaboratively across shifts
- Strong investment in systems (MRP and in‑house platforms)
- A site going through a positive transition, with opportunities to improve structure, reporting, and performance culture
About You:
- Experience in a food or fresh produce manufacturing environment
- Proven ability to manage production teams in a fast‑paced setting
- Strong understanding of costs, efficiency, and operational KPIs
- A continuous improvement mindset, able to identify issues and act on them quickly
- The confidence to hold people accountable and drive standards
- A calm, resilient approach under pressure
- Strong communication skills and a desire to develop both yourself and the wider team
Production Manager - Fresh Produce employer: MorePeople
Contact Detail:
MorePeople Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager - Fresh Produce
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fresh produce industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Production Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of cost control and efficiency in production. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven performance in past roles. We want to see that continuous improvement mindset in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications with a friendly email or call. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it gives you a chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for the latest job openings and apply directly through us. We’re all about making the application process smooth and easy, so take advantage of that and get your foot in the door!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager - Fresh Produce
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Production Manager. Highlight your experience in food or fresh produce manufacturing and any achievements that showcase your ability to drive efficiency and manage teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific examples of how you've improved production processes or led teams in fast-paced environments.
Showcase Your Continuous Improvement Mindset: We love candidates who are proactive about improvement! In your application, share instances where you've identified issues and implemented solutions. This will show us you have the right mindset for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MorePeople
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of costs, efficiency metrics, and operational KPIs. Be ready to discuss how you've managed these in previous roles, as this will show your potential employer that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led and motivated teams in a fast-paced environment. Think about specific situations where you’ve had to drive performance or improve processes, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Demonstrate your continuous improvement mindset by discussing past experiences where you identified issues and implemented effective solutions. This will highlight your proactive approach and ability to adapt quickly to challenges.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics like production planning and team accountability. This will help you connect with the interviewers and showcase your fit for the team culture.