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- Tasks: Lead factory operations, ensuring safety and quality while driving efficiency.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturing business with a global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible shifts, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment and lead a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Production Management within Food/FMCG; strong leadership and technical skills.
- Other info: 4 on 4 off shift pattern; must have full rights to work in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a dynamic Production Manager to join a leading food manufacturing business that is part of a prominent European food group with a global customer base. Reporting to the Site Director and part of the Senior Leadership Team, the Production Manager will be the driving force behind the factory operation, ensuring the site delivers against ambitious KPIs while maintaining a "safety-first" and "quality-first" culture. As Production Manager, you will lead the factory floor during your shift to ensure all products meet strict customer expectations and technical compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational Excellence: Drive manufacturing process efficiency, material waste reduction, and labor productivity.
- Safety & Compliance: Ensure the site is "audit-ready always," maintaining food safety, health and safety (IOSH/NEBOSH standards), and environmental legality.
- Leadership: Manage all people functions, including recruitment, performance reviews, and succession planning, while mentoring Front Line Managers to ensure robust leadership across the board.
- Strategy & Change: Challenge the status quo by identifying best practices and implementing continuous improvement (CI) initiatives to optimize the site operating model.
- Technical Integrity: Maintain the integrity of specialized production, including strictly gluten-free, milk-free, and egg-free manufacturing.
The Person
We are looking for a resilient, experienced Production Leader who thrives in the fast-paced environment of food manufacturing.
- Experience: At least 5 years of Production Management experience within the Food/FMCG sector, with at least 2–3 years operating at a senior level.
- Technical Knowledge: Proven experience in implementing CI, food safety, and health & safety cultures. IOSH Managing Safety is essential.
- Leadership Style: A natural leader who acts with integrity, is approachable, and has the ability to build consensus and resolve conflicts constructively.
- Skills: Highly numerate and literate with strong analytical skills (root cause analysis) and proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Navision is a plus.
Package & Shift
- Shift Pattern: 4 on 4 off. 8am-8pm
- Flexibility: Requires some flexibility in hours to achieve business objectives and support the global customer base.
Please note – our client is unable to provide sponsorship on this occasion, candidates are required to hold full rights to live and work permanently in the UK.
Production Manager employer: The Oval Partnership
Contact Detail:
The Oval Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend food manufacturing events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Production Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've driven operational excellence and led teams in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a resilient leader who thrives in fast-paced environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Production Manager role. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you’ve driven operational excellence and maintained safety standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of how you've implemented continuous improvement initiatives and led teams effectively in previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise, especially around food safety and health & safety standards. If you have IOSH Managing Safety certification, make it stand out! We love candidates who are audit-ready and understand compliance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our system quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Oval Partnership
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Production Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to operational efficiency, waste reduction, and productivity. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in past roles.
✨Safety First, Always
Since safety is paramount in food manufacturing, make sure you can articulate your experience with health and safety standards like IOSH or NEBOSH. Prepare examples of how you've maintained a 'safety-first' culture in previous positions.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to talk about your leadership approach. Think of specific instances where you've mentored team members or resolved conflicts. Highlight your ability to build consensus and lead by example, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Continuous Improvement Mindset
The role requires a focus on continuous improvement. Come equipped with examples of CI initiatives you've implemented. Discuss how you challenged the status quo and what impact those changes had on the production process.
