Production Manager

Role Purpose

The Production Manager leads the day-to-day running of a defined production area (Liquids, Powders, or Automation), taking direct ownership for safety, quality, delivery and team performance within that area.

Working closely with the Operations Manager, the Production Manager translates the overall production plan and site standards into clear direction for their team, taking accountability for the people, standards and results in their area, rather than simply monitoring work in progress.

Key Responsibilities

Take ownership for the safe, efficient and compliant running of their designated production area, whilst developing and maintaining expertise across all production operations to provide management cover, technical support and operational continuity when required.

Lead and direct their team, holding people to clear standards and giving direct, constructive feedback.

Own delivery of the agreed production plan for their area, resolving issues directly rather than simply flagging them.

Production & Resource Delivery

Own the day-to-day allocation of labour, materials and equipment within their area to deliver the agreed schedule.

Monitor progress across the shift and take direct action on delays, shortages or resourcing issues within their control; escalate headcount or capacity changes to the Operations Manager.

Coordinate with Planning, Warehouse, QA and Engineering to keep their area's production running to plan.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Own day-to-day H&S performance and culture within their area, in line with the site-wide H&S strategy set by the Operations Manager.

Ensure PPE, COSHH and safety procedures are followed; take direct action on hazards, unsafe conditions and near misses.

People Management

Directly manage the production operatives in their area: day-to-day performance, coaching, training and development.

Conduct first-line performance conversations and hold the team to clear standards, escalating formal disciplinary, grievance or absence-management processes to the Operations Manager (in partnership with HR).

Lead the induction and onboarding of new team members in their area.

Continuous Improvement

Identify and lead local process improvements within their area, feeding into the site-wide continuous improvement programme owned by the Operations Manager.

Take ownership for reducing waste and downtime within their area's control; track and report area-level KPIs to the Operations Manager.

Communication & Engagement

Run regular team briefings and huddles for their area, giving the team visibility of plans, performance and changes.

Act as the first point of contact and a visible, accountable leader for their area. Housekeeping & Record Keeping

Own housekeeping standards within their area, keeping it clean, always organised and audit ready.

Promote a "clean as you go" approach and hold the team to it.

Ensure production, cleaning, maintenance and compliance records are completed accurately and on time.

Lead preparation for internal and external audits within their area.

Area-Specific Responsibilities — Liquids

Own day-to-day liquid production, filling and packing activities, ensuring the plan is delivered to standard.

Provide management cover across both automation and powder production areas as required.

Lead weighing, blending and mixing activities in line with recipes and production requirements.

Ensure cleaning, changeovers and allergen controls are completed correctly between production runs.

Monitor production processes and take direct action on emerging issues.

Area-Specific Responsibilities — Powders

Own day-to-day powder production, blending and packing activities, ensuring the plan is delivered to standard.

Provide management cover across both liquid and automation production areas as required.

Lead sieving, dispensing and blending activities in line with recipes and production requirements.

Ensure cleaning, changeovers and allergen controls are completed correctly between production runs.

Monitor production processes and take direct action on emerging issues.

Area-Specific Responsibilities – Automation

Act as the lead operational contact for the new CDL machine, building site capability and supporting the introduction, development and continuous improvement of automation across production areas.

Provide management cover across both liquid and powder production areas as required.

Support production teams with cross-functional knowledge of manufacturing processes and operational best practices.

Ensure adherence to production, quality, hygiene and allergen control standards across all areas.

Key Competencies

Strong, hands-on leader who takes ownership of outcomes, not just tasks.

Comfortable holding people to account, including having difficult conversations.

Positive, supportive team player who builds trust with the team, while still holding people to account when needed.

Proactive, identifies and resolves issues before they escalate, rather than waiting to be told.

Reliable and organised, with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.

Technical Skills

Strong working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, allergen management, and COSHH.

Confident using production and batch documentation systems (paper-based or digital).

Working knowledge of flavour manufacturing processes — weighing, blending, filling, and packing.

Confident with Microsoft Office for records, reporting, and communication.

Qualifications & Experience

Proven experience as a senior operative or team leader within a food, flavour, or FMCG manufacturing environment.

Experience in liquid or powder compounding (relevant to area) is desirable.

IOSH Working Safely, or equivalent health & safety training, is desirable.

Level 2 Food Safety/HACCP is desirable, or a willingness to complete this.