Production & Maintenance Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

• Permanent role
• Tyne & Wear location
• Mon – Fri (Days)
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Cycle To Work scheme
• Employee Assistance program
• Electric charging points on site
• Various staff events including charity events

• Greggs Friday!!

• Tyne & Wear location
• Easily accessible
• Supportive culture, inclusive environment and growing employer
• THE BUSINESS

Westray Recruitment Group is seeking a Production & Maintenance Manager to work on a permanent contract for our client based in Tyne & Wear.

This role has come about due to a new exciting arm to the business being created to enhance manufacturing capabilities.

The organisation produces a variety of products including food packaging.

They provide themselves on their ability to provide innovative designs built on sustainability.

They are a growing employer and their reputation has been built on offering high quality products at cost effective pricing.

As a Production & Maintenance Manager, you will be responsible in overseeing the day-to-day operation of the new function.

THE ROLE

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading day-to-day production and maintenance activities within a high-volume plastic sheet extrusion operation, ensuring safe, efficient and cost-effective manufacturing while consistently delivering high-quality products.

Key responsibilities include

• Managing extrusion operations to maximise productivity, efficiency and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Planning labour resources and coordinating shift activities to achieve production schedules and customer delivery targets.
• Monitoring raw material consumption and ensuring products are manufactured to approved process parameters and formulations.
• Reviewing daily operational performance, including throughput, downtime, waste and quality metrics, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Working closely with Quality teams to maintain product standards and resolve manufacturing issues.
• Ensuring manufacturing processes comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements and relevant food-contact packaging regulations.
• Supporting the development of a positive health, safety and environmental culture, ensuring compliance with current UK legislation and company standards.
• Developing and managing preventative, predictive and reactive maintenance programmes to maximise equipment reliability.
• Leading root cause investigations into production and equipment failures, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Maintaining extrusion and associated downstream equipment to maximise plant availability and performance.
• Managing critical engineering spare parts to minimise production downtime.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce waste and optimise manufacturing performance.
• THE PERSON

The ideal candidate will have experience within plastic extrusion manufacturing, preferably producing sheet products for food packaging or similar technical applications.

You will be able to demonstrate

• Previous experience operating or managing plastic sheet extrusion processes, ideally involving PET-based materials.
• A good understanding of extrusion processing, polymer behaviour and manufacturing process controls.
• Knowledge of multi-layer extrusion, material blending systems and downstream converting operations would be advantageous.
• Experience leading production teams within a continuous manufacturing environment.
• A proven ability to analyse production issues, identify root causes and implement practical solutions.
• Familiarity with quality inspection techniques and precision measuring equipment used within plastics manufacturing.
• An understanding of preventative maintenance principles and equipment reliability.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to interpret production data, maintain accurate records and manage competing priorities.
• Experience working within food-grade manufacturing or similarly regulated production environments.
• Knowledge of health, safety and quality management systems within an industrial setting.

Personal Qualities

• Strong commitment to health, safety and quality standards.
• Hands-on leadership style with excellent communication skills.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Positive, proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• Resilient and able to perform effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to support operational requirements as needed.
• Results-driven with a focus on efficiency, teamwork and delivering operational excellence.
• TO APPLY

Please send your updated CV to Tony Hutchinson or apply direct by calling Westray Recruitment Group