Production Manager
Wells Performance Materials Limited
Location: Stone, Staffordshire (Emerald Way, Stone Business Park, ST15 0SR)
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Closing date: 31st August 2026
About Us
Wells Performance Materials is the largest independent specialist additive masterbatch and compound manufacturer in the UK, with production capacity in excess of 8,000 tonnes a year. Founded in 1984 and based in Stone, Staffordshire, we've spent over 42 years building a reputation for technical excellence, supplying the polymer processing industry both in the UK and internationally, from the Americas to the Far East.
We operate across four sites, including manufacturing, warehousing, and our purpose-built Innovation Centre, running a 24/7 production operation. Our products — including our own BACTIglas™ (antimicrobial) and Reverte™ (biodegradable) masterbatch brands — support customers across the automotive, medical, food, and agriculture sectors. We're ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified and hold a Silver EcoVadis sustainability rating, placing us in the top 15% of all rated companies.
We're now looking for a driven Production Manager to help lead the next stage of our growth.
The Role
We're seeking an experienced Production Manager to take full ownership of day-to-day manufacturing operations at our Stone, Staffordshire facility, part of a 24/7 site producing specialist additive masterbatches and bespoke compounds. You'll lead a team of supervisors and operators, ensuring we deliver high-quality products safely, efficiently, and on schedule — while identifying and driving continuous improvement across the site.
This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys developing people and processes in equal measure.
Key responsibilities:
- Oversee daily production operations to meet customer demand
- Lead, coach, and manage production supervisors and shopfloor teams
- Champion health & safety compliance and a strong safety culture
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives (lean manufacturing, OEE, waste reduction)
- Monitor and report on production KPIs — output, quality, downtime, efficiency
- Manage production budgets and control costs
- Collaborate with Quality, Planning, Maintenance, Sales and Supply Chain teams
- Recruit, train, and develop production staff
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as a Production Manager or similar leadership role in a manufacturing environment
- Strong people management and team leadership skills
- Working knowledge of lean manufacturing / continuous improvement principles
- Solid understanding of health & safety regulations in a production setting
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
- Confident communicator, comfortable engaging with teams and senior stakeholders
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- 10% contributory pension scheme
- A genuinely varied and hands-on leadership role
- 33 days holiday including bank holidays
- Gym membership
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to [email protected] by 31st August 2026.
Wells Performance Materials Limited is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background.
Pay: £55,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
