Production Manager in Birmingham

Location: Onsite – Walkers Chocolates HQ, Birmingham.

Salary: £46,000 per annum.

Contract: Full‑time, permanent.

Hours: Monday‑Thursday (7 am‑7 pm).

The Production Manager will play a key role within the Manufacturing Management Team, leading all production operations to ensure the effective delivery of business objectives, operational KPIs, and production targets. The role is responsible for the organisation, leadership, and performance management of production shifts, ensuring operational efficiency, product quality, and continuous improvement across the manufacturing function.

Working closely with the Factory Manager, Associate Production Manager, and wider operational support teams, the successful candidate will drive productivity, maximise efficiencies, and foster a high‑performance culture focused on safety, quality, people development, and customer satisfaction. The role also carries responsibility for promoting and maintaining a strong Quality and Food Safety culture, ensuring compliance with all Food Safety, Legality, GMP, and Product Authenticity standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Production Management
  • Support the Factory Manager in overseeing all aspects of production operations to ensure production plans and targets are achieved efficiently.
  • Lead, coordinate, and manage Shift Managers and production teams to ensure effective operational performance and accountability.
  • Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, and cost reduction while maintaining the highest quality standards.
  • Monitor and report on operational KPIs, identifying trends and implementing improvement initiatives.
  • Maximise line uptime and operational efficiencies through proactive intervention and problem solving.
  • Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) to identify and resolve operational issues effectively.
  • Ensure manufacturing processes operate efficiently and consistently deliver required outputs.
  • Analyse production reporting data and recommend process improvements and operational investments.
• Continuous Improvement & Performance
  • Implement new systems, processes, and operational improvements to enhance efficiency and performance.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, output optimisation, and operational excellence.
  • Investigate quality failures, product loss, and wastage, implementing corrective actions where required.
  • Coach and support Shift Managers and Supervisors in leading daily SIC meetings and RCA activities.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement across production teams.
• People Management & Development
  • Lead, motivate, and develop Shift Managers and production teams through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
  • Ensure effective labour planning, resource allocation, and succession planning across the production function.
  • Manage attendance, time‑keeping, capability, and employee performance in line with company policies.
  • Conduct formal disciplinary and performance management processes where required.
  • Ensure all production staff receive appropriate training and that training records are accurately maintained.
  • Support employee engagement initiatives aligned with the company’s People Strategy.
• Health, Safety & Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety policies, GMP standards, and company procedures.
  • Promote safe working practices and investigate unsafe behaviours, accidents, and near misses.
  • Conduct accident investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions promptly.
  • Ensure H&S non‑conformances are effectively closed out and monitored.
  • Maintain ownership and compliance of GMP standards throughout all production operations.
  • Ensure full production traceability across manufacturing processes.
• Communication & Collaboration
  • Lead daily production meetings to ensure clear communication across teams and departments.
  • Build strong working relationships with operational support functions including Engineering, Technical, Supply Chain, and Logistics.
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure smooth operational performance and achievement of business goals.

About You

Skills & Competencies

Essential

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Proven experience in a manufacturing management role
• Experience managing teams within a fast‑paced and complex manufacturing environment
• Strong operational manufacturing background
• Relevant manufacturing or operational management experience
• Ability to work effectively within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
• Strong relationship‑building and communication skills
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation abilities
• Ability to manage immediate operational demands while maintaining strategic awareness
• High attention to detail
• Flexible, adaptable, and results‑driven approach
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Customer‑focused mindset with the ability to embed a customer‑centric culture
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills

Desirable

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
• HACCP qualification
• LEAN/Six Sigma Green Belt
• IOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification
• Strong IT skills
• Experience using SAGE 200
• Experience within a food manufacturing environment

The successful candidate may occasionally be required to undertake additional duties within their capabilities and level of responsibility to meet the needs of the business.