JOB ROLE: Production Manager
LOCATION: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
REPORTING TO: Site Operations Manager
WORKING HOURS: Rotation shift pattern (Days Only) - 08:00-20:00
Shepley Spring is the UK's leading bottled water manufacturer and part of the Niagara Bottling family, combining the values of a family-owned business with the scale, ambition and investment of one of the world's most progressive beverage manufacturers. As part of a significant growth and transformation strategy, Shepley Spring continues to invest heavily in people, technology, automation and manufacturing excellence.
Our Harrogate facility represents the future of beverage production, bringing together world-class technology, advanced automation and industry-leading manufacturing practices. In partnership with Krones and Niagara Bottling, the site is home to our "Line of the Future" concept, incorporating cutting-edge digital systems, enhanced operational efficiency and some of the most advanced bottling technology available anywhere in the industry. This investment will culminate in the installation of the fastest PET bottling line in the world, capable of producing over 100,000 bottles per hour.
SUMMARY:
This is a unique opportunity to lead production operations within a rapidly growing and highly automated manufacturing environment.
The Production Manager will be responsible for delivering world-class standards across safety, quality, service, cost and people performance whilst driving a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Working closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and other functional leaders, the successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping the future success of the Harrogate operation, ensuring the site is positioned to support ambitious growth plans whilst maintaining exceptional customer service and manufacturing performance.
Overall, the Production Manager will be responsible for developing high-performing teams, embedding manufacturing best practice and leading operational transformation within a state-of-the-art production facility. This role will be instrumental in delivering the next chapter of growth for Shepley Spring.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead all production activities across the Harrogate manufacturing operation, ensuring safety, quality and service objectives are consistently achieved.
- Deliver operational performance against key business targets including OEE, throughput, waste, labour efficiency and customer service levels.
- Drive a culture of accountability, engagement and high performance through visible leadership and effective people management.
- Develop and implement production strategies that support both current operations and future site growth ambitions.
- Work collaboratively with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality and Operations teams to optimise plant performance and maximise production output.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives, utilising Lean manufacturing principles and data-driven decision making to improve efficiency and eliminate waste.
- Support commissioning, stabilisation and optimisation of new manufacturing technology and automated production systems.
- Ensure production schedules are achieved whilst maintaining rigorous quality and food safety standards.
- Lead, coach and develop frontline leaders and production teams, creating clear succession and development pathways.
- Embed operational discipline through the effective use of systems, visual management, KPI reviews and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Foster strong cross-functional working relationships to support site-wide objectives and business transformation initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety, Environmental and Food Safety requirements, promoting a proactive safety-first culture throughout the operation.
- Utilise production data and performance metrics to identify trends, drive actions and deliver sustainable operational improvements.
- Support the implementation of Niagara and Shepley Spring manufacturing best practices, helping establish Harrogate as a benchmark manufacturing facility.
KEY COMPETENCIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Planning & Organisation
Develop production strategies, operational plans and resource requirements to support both day-to-day performance and long-term growth. Effectively balance customer demand, capacity planning and operational priorities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Leadership & People Development
Build, inspire and develop high-performing production teams through coaching, mentoring and effective performance management. Create a culture focused on engagement, accountability and continuous learning.
Operational Excellence
Drive manufacturing excellence through the implementation of Lean principles, structured problem solving, standardisation and continuous improvement methodologies.
Performance Management
Monitor and analyse key operational metrics to identify opportunities, manage risks and ensure delivery of business objectives across safety, quality, cost and service.
Safety & Compliance
Lead by example in promoting a positive safety culture, ensuring compliance with all legislative, regulatory and company requirements.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
Identify opportunities to leverage automation, digital technology and emerging manufacturing practices to improve productivity, efficiency and operational capability.
Stakeholder Management
Collaborate effectively with site leadership, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and external partners to achieve common business goals and drive successful operational outcomes.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or related discipline is desirable.
- Proven leadership experience within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrable experience leading large production teams and driving operational performance improvements.
- Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence principles.
- Experience working within highly automated manufacturing environments would be advantageous.
- Strong knowledge of production planning, performance management and manufacturing KPIs.
- Proven ability to manage change and lead teams through periods of growth and transformation.
- Exceptional communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Highly analytical with excellent problem-solving capabilities.
- Results-driven with a passion for developing people and delivering sustainable business improvements.
- Experience within FMCG, food, beverage or high-volume manufacturing environments is preferred.
MISSION STATEMENT:
As a family-owned company, our priority is the health of our team members, our communities and our environment. Shepley Spring is committed to responsible resource usage and integrating sustainability into every aspect of our business.
We have an obligation not only to drive aquifer preservation and sustainable withdrawals, energy efficiency, renewable energy generation and waste reduction, but also to continuously innovate and reduce our carbon footprint.
We firmly believe in continuing to grow and improve in each of these areas to make Shepley Spring the best water supplier, community partner and employer that we can be.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £55,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
