Production Manager (Bioresources) in Manchester

Production Manager (Bioresources) in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
United Utilities

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operations in bioresources, ensuring safety and efficiency in treatment activities.
  • Company: Join a leading company focused on sustainable bioresource management.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, competitive pension, and performance bonuses.
  • Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a critical leadership role within a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership, ideally in FMCG or regulated environments.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead operations within our Bio Resources function, overseeing the safe, efficient and compliant delivery of key treatment and processing activities. This is a critical leadership role, responsible for managing complex, high-risk operational assets in a regulated environment where safety, reliability and continuous improvement are paramount.

You will bring strong, hands-on operational leadership experience, having successfully led both operations and maintenance teams within similarly demanding environments—ideally within FMCG and/or COMAH sites. With responsibility for a large, multidisciplinary team you will ensure that all activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with regulatory and performance expectations. Success in this role will come from a strong capability to operate within a high-hazard environment, underpinned by a deep understanding of process discipline, asset integrity and workforce safety.

You will champion a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, using CI methodologies to identify performance gaps, investigate issues, and drive root cause analysis to deliver sustainable solutions. As a key leader within the business, you will balance operational delivery with strategic thinking—ensuring the site not only meets its current targets but is well-positioned for future demands through innovation, optimisation and strong team development.

Role Accountabilities:

  • Lead the operation and maintenance of production assets, acting as a site-wide operational leader rather than a purely technical specialist.
  • Manage the operations and maintenance budget, ensuring delivery of the financial plan.
  • Own asset performance and ensure delivery of the operational business plan.
  • Identify and resolve asset performance issues, using internal expertise and wider business support where needed.
  • Drive high standards in safety, compliance and operational efficiency, and lead continuous improvement.
  • Lead, manage and develop a team of direct reports, including regular 1:1s, performance reviews and ongoing support.
  • Identify skills gaps and training needs, and put plans in place to address them.
  • Take accountability for site security and emergency readiness.
  • Contribute to the wider management team, sharing best practice and supporting improvement initiatives.
  • Build and manage key external relationships, including regulators and customers.
  • Work closely with internal teams to proactively maintain assets and resolve issues effectively.
  • Champion and lead change initiatives aligned to the business plan.
  • Ensure a strong balance between cost, performance, compliance and people priorities.
  • Drive a proactive maintenance approach, reducing reactive work and improving planning.

The application journey has 4 key stages:

  • Our Talent Acquisition will review your CV
  • If skills match, we will discuss with our operational teams
  • If successful, you’ll be invited to interview
  • Interviews are already in our diaries for 23rd, 25th & 26th June and will take place face to face. The interview will comprise of a Presentation, Competency Interview and some Technical Scenario based questions.

Salary: Competitive Salary
Work Type: Onsite
Job Location: Davyhulme Wastewater Treatment Works, Trafford Way, Urmston, Manchester, M17 8DD
Role Type: Permanent
Employment Type: Full Time
Working Hours: 37.0 Hours per Week

Benefits:

  • A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
  • A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
  • Up to 10.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
  • A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
  • MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
  • Best Doctors
  • Salary Finance
  • Wealth at Work courses
  • Deals and discounts
  • EVolve Car Scheme
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Mental health first aiders
  • ShareBuy
  • MORE Choices flexible benefits
  • Enhanced parental leave schemes

Production Manager (Bioresources) in Manchester employer: United Utilities

As a leading employer in the bioresources sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement at our Davyhulme Wastewater Treatment Works. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes, generous annual leave, and a competitive pension scheme, ensuring that our team members are well-supported both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your leadership can drive innovation and operational excellence while enjoying unique benefits like wellness discounts and enhanced parental leave schemes.

United Utilities

Contact Details:

United Utilities Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Production Manager (Bioresources) in Manchester

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, recent projects, and any news related to their operations. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the interview by rehearsing common questions and scenarios related to production management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your hands-on experience.

Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've developed teams and driven continuous improvement in past roles. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex operations safely and efficiently.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen on joining our team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager (Bioresources) in Manchester

Operational Leadership
Budget Management
Asset Performance Management
Safety Compliance
Continuous Improvement
Team Development
Training Needs Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Production Manager role. Highlight your hands-on operational leadership experience and any relevant achievements in safety and compliance.

Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, let us know how you lead teams and drive continuous improvement. Share examples of how you've managed multidisciplinary teams and tackled performance gaps in high-risk environments.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to describe your experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We appreciate clarity!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our Bio Resources function.

How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities

Know Your Operations Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the production processes and operational challenges specific to bioresources. Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators and compliance standards relevant to the role, as this will help you demonstrate your expertise and readiness to lead.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Given the technical nature of the role, expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-risk environments. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully managed operational issues or led continuous improvement initiatives, and be ready to discuss the outcomes.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Production Manager, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you manage and develop teams, handle performance reviews, and identify training needs. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a culture of accountability and continuous improvement in your previous roles.

Engage with the Interviewers

During the interview, engage actively with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges and future goals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also allows you to tailor your responses to align with their expectations and demonstrate your strategic thinking.