Build More Than Production. Build a Manufacturing Operation.
We're looking for an exceptional Production Manager to lead the next phase of growth within our manufacturing business.
This isn't a role for someone who simply manages today's production plan.
We're looking for a leader who wants to transform a factory.
You'll take ownership of our entire manufacturing operation, leading our Warehouse, Bulk Manufacturing and Production teams to deliver outstanding customer service whilst building a culture focused on accountability, efficiency, quality and continuous improvement.
You'll spend time where it matters most - on the factory floor.
You'll coach people, solve problems, improve processes, remove waste, develop future leaders and ensure every customer order leaves our factory safely, on time and to the highest standards.
Alongside the day-to-day operation, you'll work directly with the Managing Director to shape the future of manufacturing within the business.
About Us
We are a fast-growing UK manufacturer specialising in cosmetics, personal care and beauty products.
Our business continues to invest in people, equipment and capability, and we're now looking for a Production Manager who can help us build a manufacturing operation capable of supporting the next stage of our growth.
We're ambitious.
We expect high standards.
We invest in our people.
Most importantly, we believe great manufacturing comes from great leadership.
The Opportunity
This is a genuine leadership role.
You'll have complete responsibility for the day-to-day operation of:
- Warehouse
- Bulk Manufacturing
- Production
You'll own the production plan from raw material receipt through bulk manufacture, filling, packing and finished goods, ensuring customer orders are delivered safely, efficiently and on time.
You'll also be responsible for building the systems, processes and culture that allow the factory to continually improve.
Approximately 60% of your time will be spent leading operations on the factory floor, with the remaining 40% focused on planning, performance management, continuous improvement and strategic development.
What You'll Be Responsible ForProduction Planning & Operational Delivery
- Own and deliver the daily and weekly production plan.
- Ensure customer orders are delivered On Time In Full (OTIF).
- Balance labour, machinery and resources across Warehouse, Bulk Manufacturing and Production.
- Coordinate production priorities with Customer Service, Technical, Engineering and Warehouse.
- Ensure materials, packaging and labour are available before production begins.
- Identify production risks early and implement recovery plans.
- Maximise manufacturing capacity whilst maintaining quality standards.
- Manage production scheduling to meet changing customer demands.
- Drive daily production meetings and communicate priorities clearly.
Hands-On Manufacturing Leadership
This is not an office-based management position.
You'll be expected to:
- Be highly visible across the factory every day.
- Lead from the front.
- Coach, support and develop production teams.
- Help solve operational problems as they happen.
- Support line start-ups, changeovers and production improvements.
- Ensure standards are maintained throughout Warehouse, Bulk Manufacturing and Production.
- Build credibility through action rather than instruction.
Continuous Improvement
You'll challenge the way we currently operate.
You'll:
- Improve labour efficiency.
- Reduce waste and rework.
- Reduce downtime.
- Improve machine utilisation.
- Improve production flow.
- Reduce changeover times.
- Improve factory layout where appropriate.
- Introduce Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Develop measurable improvement projects.
- Use data and KPIs to drive decisions rather than opinion.
Success in this role will be measured by continual improvement—not simply maintaining the status quo.
Building the Right Culture
We believe culture creates performance.
You'll be responsible for creating an environment where people:
- Take ownership.
- Work together.
- Solve problems.
- Support each other.
- Respect standards.
- Want to improve.
You'll develop supervisors and team leaders, address poor performance constructively, recognise success and create a workplace people are proud to be part of.
Training & Development
You'll own manufacturing capability across the business.
Including:
- Structured induction programmes.
- Skills matrices.
- Cross-training.
- Operator competency assessments.
- Leadership development.
- Training records.
- SOP sign-off.
- Succession planning.
Our goal is to build a highly skilled and flexible workforce.
Process Improvement
You'll create consistency across every manufacturing department by:
- Developing Standard Operating Procedures.
- Reviewing existing processes.
- Removing unnecessary complexity.
- Standardising best practice.
- Introducing visual management.
- Improving documentation.
- Driving process compliance.
- Working closely with Technical and Quality teams.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
You'll ensure:
- Safe working practices.
- GMP compliance.
- Excellent housekeeping.
- Quality standards are maintained.
- Internal audits are supported.
- Customer audits are successful.
- Corrective actions are implemented effectively.
Safety and quality should never be compromised for output.
Performance Management
You'll establish clear KPIs across Warehouse, Bulk Manufacturing and Production.
Including:
- Labour efficiency
- Productivity
- Downtime
- Waste
- Right First Time
- OTIF
- Capacity utilisation
- Attendance
- Training completion
You'll use these KPIs to drive improvements, coach your team and report directly to the Managing Director.
What Success Looks Like
Within your first 12 months you will have:
- Taken full ownership of the manufacturing operation.
- Improved OTIF performance.
- Increased labour productivity.
- Reduced downtime.
- Reduced waste.
- Introduced robust production KPIs.
- Developed clear SOPs across manufacturing.
- Implemented structured training programmes.
- Created a stronger leadership team.
- Improved communication between departments.
- Built a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
About You
You're someone who enjoys improving businesses.
You don't wait to be told what needs fixing.
You naturally look for better ways of working.
You enjoy coaching people.
You lead by example.
You understand that great manufacturing comes from strong leadership, good processes and capable people.
You'll be just as comfortable presenting operational performance to the Managing Director as you are rolling up your sleeves on the factory floor to solve a production problem.
Essential Experience
- Previous Production Manager or Operations Manager experience within manufacturing.
- Experience managing Warehouse, Manufacturing and Production teams.
- Experience owning a production plan.
- Strong people leadership skills.
- Experience driving productivity improvements.
- Experience implementing continuous improvement projects.
- Experience developing SOPs and manufacturing processes.
- Experience delivering measurable efficiency improvements.
- Strong planning and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Good commercial awareness.
- Strong problem-solving ability.
Desirable Experience
- Cosmetics manufacturing.
- Personal Care manufacturing.
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Food manufacturing.
- GMP environments.
- ISO 9001.
- ISO 22716.
- Lean Manufacturing.
- Six Sigma.
- Process manufacturing.
- Filling and packing operations.
What You'll Receive
- Competitive salary.
- Company pension.
- Additional annual leave.
- Sick pay.
- Opportunity to shape the future of a growing manufacturing business.
- Direct access to senior leadership.
- Genuine autonomy to improve the operation.
- Investment in your own professional development.
- The opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the business.
Why Join Us?
We're not looking for someone to keep the factory running.
We're looking for someone to make it better.
If you're passionate about building high-performing teams, improving manufacturing processes, creating a positive culture and leading from the front, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help us build one of the UK's leading cosmetics manufacturing operations.
Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
