About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and driven Production Manager to join our manufacturing leadership team.
This is a key operational role responsible for the day-to-day management of production, ensuring our teams, machinery, processes and resources are operating safely, efficiently and effectively to deliver outstanding customer outcomes.
Reporting to the Head of Production and working alongside three other Production Managers, you will play a pivotal role in leading production operations, supporting strategic projects, driving continuous improvement initiatives and deputising for the Head of Production when required.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys motivating teams, improving processes and delivering measurable results.
Key responsibilities
Production Leadership
- Manage daily production operations across multiple production departments, including machine operations and packing teams, being hands-on where required.
- Ensure production targets, quality standards and customer deadlines are consistently achieved.
- Monitor operational performance and implement corrective actions where required.
- Support capacity planning and resource allocation to maximise efficiency.
- Work collaboratively with fellow Production Managers to ensure consistency, communication and operational excellence across the manufacturing function.
- Deputise for the Head of Production during periods of absence.
Team management
- Lead, coach and develop Team Leaders and production operatives.
- Conduct regular 1:1 meetings, probation reviews and annual appraisals.
- Support recruitment, onboarding and workforce planning activities.
- Manage attendance, performance and employee relations matters, including disciplinary and capability processes.
- Create a positive, engaged and high-performing culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
Continuous improvement
- Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives to improve productivity, quality and waste reduction.
- Identify process improvement opportunities and implement sustainable solutions.
- Use data and performance metrics to support decision-making and operational improvements.
- Lead improvement projects across production and wider business functions.
- Challenge existing ways of working and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
Planning & collaboration
- Work closely with Planning, Customer Experience, Stream and other departments.
- Support production scheduling and workflow management to optimise throughput.
- Ensure effective communication between departments to minimise disruption and improve customer satisfaction.
- Contribute to business improvement projects and operational strategy.
- Champion the use of technology, automation and AI tools to improve operational efficiency.
- Identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce administrative burden and enhance decision-making through digital solutions.
- Support the implementation of new systems, processes and ways of working.
About you
We're looking for someone who combines strong operational management experience with excellent people leadership skills.
Essential
- Previous experience in a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager or similar leadership role.
- Experience working within a fast-paced manufacturing or production environment.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams.
- Strong understanding of production planning and operational performance management.
- Experience managing KPIs, targets and productivity measures.
- Experience conducting appraisals, probation reviews, performance management and employee relations processes.
- Demonstrable experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Desirable
- Experience working with automation, process optimisation or AI-driven solutions.
- Project management experience.
- Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement qualifications.
- Experience working closely with customer experience, and other functions.
What success look like
- Production targets consistently achieved or exceeded.
- High levels of product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Improved operational efficiency and productivity.
- Strong team engagement and retention.
- Successful implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
- Effective use of technology and AI to drive measurable business improvements.
If you are a hands-on, people-focused manufacturing manager who enjoys developing teams, driving operational excellence and creating positive change within a fast-paced production environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Henfield BN5 9XR: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Production / Manufacturing / Operations Manager: 3 years (required)
- Managing 20+ production employees: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
