Production Manager

At Mr Fothergills Seed’s we are in the business of bringing gardens to life. Known for our exceptional range of seeds, garden products and horticultural expertise with well-known brands such as Mr Fothergill’s, Johnsons, DT Brown and Darlac our products can be found in garden centres, big retailers and direct to consumers through our websites and catalogues. We have a legacy of quality, a loyal customer base and are committed to inspiring and empowering gardeners of all levels.

We are a passionate team with a strong can-do attitude. We show respect to one another and are keen to innovate on our respective areas of expertise. We value agility, understand the journey our business is on and strive to add our unique mark onto that journey. We work hard but don’t forget to have fun. Our company purpose is “Helping Everyone Grow” and we extend that purpose to everything we do.

Overview

The Production Manager will be responsible for managing all aspects of production at our Kentford facility. This includes coordinating and controlling manufacturing processes to meet production targets, quality standards, and customer deadlines. The role involves leading a skilled production team, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and safety, and supporting Mr Fothergill’s reputation for excellence in the horticultural industry.

Core Responsibilities

• Production Management & Planning
  • Oversee daily production operations.
  • Develop and implement production plans to meet demand.
  • Monitor workflow, machinery utilisation, and resource allocation to maximise efficiency.
  • Ensure all products are accurately labelled, coded, and packed.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance
  • Work closely with Quality and Technical teams to maintain high standards of fill accuracy.
  • Ensure compliance with UK seed certification standards, labelling legislation, and DEFRA requirements.
  • Support internal and external audits and ensure adherence to company and industry quality systems.
• Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead, motivate, and develop a production team, including directly employed and agency staff.
  • Communicate targets, expectations, and performance feedback clearly.
  • Promote teamwork, accountability, and professional development.
• Health, Safety & Environment
  • Ensure compliance with company Health & Safety policies and UK HSE regulations.
  • Promote a proactive safety culture and maintain a clean, safe, and organised workplace.
  • Conduct risk assessments and safety audits and implement corrective actions where required.
• Process Improvement
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality.
  • Work with the Engineering team to optimise equipment performance and reliability.
• Budgeting & Reporting
  • Manage production budgets, control costs, and monitor KPIs.
  • Prepare reports on output, efficiency, quality, and workforce performance for senior management.

We are looking for someone who has solid experience in manufacturing management with proven leadership experience in a production or operations role. You will also demonstrate:

• A strong understanding of Lean principles, GMP, and process improvement methodologies
• Competence in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Effective communication skills at all levels of the business
• Excellent planning, organisational, and time management skills
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• An analytical, data-driven approach to decision-making

Diversity & Inclusion

The world of gardening should be accessible to all and it’s important that our teams reflect the diversity of our customers, ensuring that our products meet everyone’s needs. Therefore, we very much welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates regardless of background, gender, race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We’re ‘rooting’ for you!