The Best Connection Group is recruiting for a Permanent Production Manager for a client based in Staffordshire. The role involves leading, managing, and optimising daily manufacturing operations across the site, ensuring production targets are met safely, efficiently, and to strict quality and food‑safety standards.
This position requires overseeing both the Low‑Risk (raw preparation, butchery, formulation) and High‑Risk (cooking, cooling, high‑care packaging) areas of the facility, driving a high‑performance culture focused on continuous improvement, labour efficiency, and strict cross‑contamination segregation.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Execution – Lead and coordinate daily manufacturing activities across all shifts to achieve on‑time production (OTIF).
- Performance & OEE – Drive line efficiencies, monitor Overall Equipment Effectiveness and implement Lean manufacturing tools.
- Yield & Cost Control – Monitor product yields, minimise giveaway, and control raw‑material, packaging, and labour waste budgets.
- Area Segregation – Enforce strict adherence to factory flow and segregation between Low‑Risk and High‑Risk zones.
- Audit Readiness – Maintain continuous compliance for BRCGS, retail customers, and statutory/regulatory audits.
- People Leadership – Coach Production Supervisors and Line Leaders, manage resource planning, cross‑training and performance management.
Qualifications
- Essential – Food Safety Level 3 or 4 certification.
- Essential – HACCP Level 3 or 4 certification.
- Desirable – Formal leadership or management qualification (e.g. ILM Level 5 or equivalent).
- Desirable – IOSH or NEBOSH general certificate in Occupational Health & Safety.
Key Skills
- Leadership – Strong, visible style that inspires, holds teams accountable, and fosters a positive workplace culture.
- Communication – Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate clearly with shop‑floor operatives and senior directors.
- Problem‑Solving – Strong analytical and root‑cause problem‑solving abilities to resolve operational and technical bottlenecks.
- Commercial Acumen – Ability to understand operational numbers, manage labour budgets, and interpret yield and variance data to maximise profitability.
For full details and application, contact the Best Connection Group as they are acting as an Employment Business for this vacancy.
