Assistant Production Manager – Fresh Produce

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced production professional looking to take the next step in your career within the fresh produce industry? Our client, a global leader in the fresh produce industry, is looking for a motivated and hands-on Assistant Production Manager to join their growing team at their Kent facility. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside the Production Manager, supporting the day-to-day running of production operations across their fruit packing facility.

You will play a key role in driving operational performance, managing production teams, maintaining high standards of quality and food safety, and ensuring production targets are consistently achieved. Working closely with Production, Planning, Technical and Supply Chain teams, you will help improve efficiency, minimise waste and maximise productivity within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Management: Support the Production Manager with the day-to-day running of production operations, deputising when required to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, motivate and develop production teams, providing coaching, training and performance support to ensure operational targets are achieved.
• Operational Performance: Monitor production performance against KPIs, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and overall output.
• Workforce Management: Support staff scheduling, labour planning and resource allocation, ensuring production requirements are met with appropriately skilled personnel.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyse production results, identify areas for improvement and implement action plans to minimise downtime, reduce waste and maximise production yields.
• Quality & Food Safety: Work closely with Technical teams to ensure products consistently meet customer specifications and comply with BRCGS, SMETA and relevant food safety standards.
• Production Planning: Collaborate with the Planning team to review production schedules, establish priorities and ensure resources are allocated effectively.
• Stock & Inventory Control: Maintain effective inventory control procedures, minimising shortages and preventing unnecessary excess stock.
• Packaging & Labelling: Conduct regular checks across production lines to ensure the correct packaging materials and labels are being used.

What You’ll Bring

• Production Experience: Ideally a minimum of two years’ experience within a production, manufacturing or fresh produce environment.
• Leadership Skills: Previous experience supervising or leading production teams, with the ability to motivate, develop and manage people effectively.
• Food Safety Knowledge: A good understanding of food safety, quality standards and BRCGS requirements.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
• Organisational Skills: Excellent planning and time-management abilities, with the confidence to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying operational challenges and implementing practical solutions.
• Decision-Making: The ability to make informed decisions and take responsibility for operational performance.
• Health & Safety: A working knowledge of Health & Safety requirements within a production or manufacturing environment.
• IT & Systems: Experience using ERP systems, ideally Microsoft D365, alongside intermediate Microsoft Office skills.
• Attention to Detail: A methodical approach to maintaining accurate production records, monitoring performance and ensuring compliance.

If you’re an ambitious production professional with strong leadership skills and experience within food manufacturing or fresh produce, this is an excellent opportunity to take the next step in your career.