Purpose of the Role
The Production Manager is responsible for leading the daily production operation to ensure that customer orders are processed safely, efficiently, on time, and to the highest quality standards. The role is accountable for maximising productivity, controlling labour costs, improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and developing a high-performing production team.
Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Performance
- Manage all production activities across the laundry operation.
- Ensure daily production plans are achieved safely and on time.
- Monitor production flow and remove operational bottlenecks.
- Ensure machinery is utilised to its maximum practical capacity.
- Drive continuous improvement throughout the operation.
People Leadership
- Lead, coach and develop Production Supervisors and Team Leaders.
- Build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and coaching sessions.
- Manage attendance, discipline and employee performance.
- Ensure all employees receive appropriate training.
Productivity
- Maximise labour productivity.
- Monitor Pieces Per Labour Hour (PPLH).
- Reduce overtime through effective planning.
- Ensure staffing levels meet production demand.
- Continuously improve workflow efficiency.
Machinery Performance
Own site OEE performance by:
- Improving machine availability.
- Reducing downtime.
- Increasing machine performance.
- Improving first-time quality.
- Supporting preventative maintenance programmes.
- Working closely with Engineering to minimise breakdowns.
Quality
- Ensure all customer quality standards are achieved.
- Minimise rewash.
- Reduce customer complaints.
- Monitor quality KPIs.
- Ensure products are processed Right First Time.
Health & Safety
- Lead by example in all Health & Safety matters.
- Ensure safe systems of work are followed.
- Complete safety inspections.
- Investigate accidents and near misses.
- Promote a zero-harm culture.
Financial Responsibility
Responsible for controlling:
- Labour costs
- Overtime
- Agency labour
- Productivity
- Waste
- Utilities (where applicable)
Continuous Improvement
Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives by:
- Eliminating waste.
- Reducing downtime.
- Improving OEE.
- Standardising best practice.
- Implementing process improvements.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The Production Manager will be measured against:
- OEE
- Machine Utilisation
- Labour Cost per Piece
- Pieces Per Labour Hour (PPLH)
- On-Time Delivery
- Schedule Adherence
- Rewash %
- Customer Complaints
- Overtime %
- Labour Variance
- Health & Safety Performance
- Employee Engagement
- Staff Turnover
Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Production management experience.
- Strong leadership skills.
- Excellent communication.
- Good planning and organisational ability.
- Problem-solving capability.
- Computer literate.
- KPI driven.
Desirable:
- Commercial laundry experience.
- Lean Manufacturing.
- Six Sigma awareness.
- IOSH Managing Safely.
- Continuous Improvement experience.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong leadership
- Accountability
- Integrity
- Resilience
- Positive attitude
- Customer focus
- Attention to detail
- Decision-making ability
- Continuous improvement mindset
Authority
The Production Manager has authority to:
- Allocate labour resources.
- Adjust production priorities.
- Stop production where safety or quality is compromised.
- Escalate engineering issues.
- Recommend recruitment and disciplinary action.
- Implement operational improvements.
Success Looks Like
A successful Production Manager will consistently:
- Deliver customer orders on time.
- Operate within labour budget.
- Improve OEE month on month.
- Reduce downtime and rewash.
- Develop high-performing teams.
- Drive a culture of safety, quality and continuous improvement.
- Ensure machinery operates at maximum practical efficiency while maintaining excellent customer service.
Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Production planning: 1 year (preferred)
- Six Sigma: 1 year (preferred)
- IOSH Managing Safely.: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
