Production Manager in Kilkeel

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Production Manager to join a growing food manufacturing and seafood processing operation in Kilkeel. We are looking for an ambitious, hands-on and commercially minded Production Manager to take ownership of the production operation, lead and develop a team, and drive improvements across the plant. The business processes both cooked and raw seafood products for customers worldwide and is continuing to grow. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced production professional to play a key role in that growth and make a genuine impact on the operation.

The Role

As Production Manager, you will be responsible for the effective day-to-day running of the production plant, ensuring production targets, quality standards and customer requirements are consistently achieved. You will take ownership of production planning, scheduling, workflow, people management and operational performance, while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and processes. Working closely with other areas of the business, you will help ensure the plant operates safely, efficiently and effectively, while supporting the company's continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the production plant.
• Develop and manage production plans and schedules.
• Coordinate production workflow across multiple products.
• Ensure products are manufactured on time and to the required quality standards.
• Monitor production output, productivity and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Lead, motivate and develop production employees.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and effective resource allocation.
• Monitor inventory and production requirements to support efficient operations.
• Implement and maintain robust quality control procedures.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and industry standards.
• Apply and maintain HACCP principles throughout production.
• Identify production issues and implement effective solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement across processes, productivity and efficiency.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to improve workflow and operational performance.
• Analyse production data and use it to make informed management decisions.
• Plan ahead to ensure production requirements are consistently met.
• Maintain a safe, organised and productive working environment.
• Take ownership of production performance and deliver against agreed targets.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Proven experience in food production management.
• At least 3 years' production management experience.
• At least 3 years' production scheduling experience.
• Strong knowledge of production systems and KPIs.
• Experience managing, motivating and developing production teams.
• A good understanding of quality control and food manufacturing processes.
• Practical knowledge and understanding of HACCP.
• Experience in continuous improvement and process optimisation.
• Strong organisational and forward-planning skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• The ability to analyse production data and translate it into practical improvements.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• A hands-on approach and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for someone who doesn't simply manage production from a desk. You will be a hands-on leader who is comfortable working on the production floor, understands the demands of food manufacturing and knows how to bring people together to achieve results. You'll have the confidence to make decisions, the ability to identify and resolve issues before they become bigger problems, and the drive to continually improve the way the plant operates. Most importantly, you'll take pride in delivering high-quality products, efficient production and a motivated, high-performing team.

What We Offer

• £42,000-£50,000 salary, depending on experience and management capability.
• Full-time, permanent position.
• Day shifts only.
• Monday to Friday working pattern, with some weekend availability.
• Employee discount.
• Free/on-site parking.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• The opportunity to make a genuine impact on production performance and business growth.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a growing food manufacturing and seafood processing operation at an exciting stage of its development. If you're an experienced Production Manager who thrives on leading people, improving processes and delivering operational excellence, we'd like to hear from you. If you have the experience, leadership skills and passion to take production performance to the next level, apply today.