Production Manager - Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
Essex | £50,000 + Benefits
Are you a hands-on Production Manager who enjoys improving performance, developing people and driving meaningful operational change?
Our client is a well-established, highly respected fmcg manufacturing business with a long-standing reputation for quality, reliability, and customer service. As part of ongoing growth plans, they are seeking an experienced Production Manager to help shape the next phase of operational development.
This is an opportunity to join a stable business with an experienced workforce and a leadership team genuinely committed to investing in improvements, efficiency initiatives and future growth.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will lead a production operation of approximately 40 employees, including two Shift Managers and agency labour as required.
While the operation performs well, there is a clear opportunity for an experienced manufacturing professional to identify efficiencies, improve line performance, reduce waste, enhance labour utilisation and help introduce a more structured approach to continuous improvement.
You will play a key role in developing frontline leadership capability while supporting future automation and business growth initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive improvements in OEE, productivity and line performance
- Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives
- Improve labour utilisation and operational efficiency
- Reduce waste and improve manufacturing performance
- Lead Continuous Improvement projects
- Update and improve standard operating procedures and work instructions
- Support future automation initiatives
- Coach and develop Shift Managers and production teams
- Ensure compliance with food safety, quality and health & safety standards
- Lead customer and supplier audits when required
About You
We are interested in speaking with candidates who possess:
- Production Management experience within food or beverage manufacturing
- Strong knowledge of OEE, productivity and operational KPIs
- Experience delivering measurable cost savings and efficiency improvements
- Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience
- Strong leadership and coaching capabilities
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- A visible, hands-on management style
This role could suit an ambitious Production Manager seeking broader responsibility or a highly experienced manufacturing professional looking to make a significant impact within a growing business.
What's in it for You?
- Genuine opportunity to influence operational strategy
- Supportive and approachable leadership team
- Stable and profitable business
- Opportunity to shape future improvements and automation projects
- Leadership succession and mentoring opportunities
- High visibility role with real business impact
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