Production Manager

Job Description - Production Manager

Job Title

Production Manager

Location

North Yorkshire

Reporting To

Production Director

Direct Reports

Three direct reports with overall responsibility for approximately 60 employees.

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the production operation, ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards whilst driving continuous improvement, developing people and fostering a positive, high-performing culture.

The Production Manager will play a key role in delivering operational objectives, developing leadership capability and supporting the ongoing growth and transformation of the business.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and People Management

• Lead, motivate and develop production teams to deliver operational excellence.
• Coach, mentor and support direct reports to maximise individual and team performance.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, development discussions and succession planning activities.
• Manage attendance, performance and employee relations issues in line with company policies.
• Promote company values and positive leadership behaviours throughout the operation.

Operational Management

• Ensure production plans are delivered safely, efficiently and on time.
• Monitor and manage key operational performance indicators including productivity, waste, efficiency and labour utilisation.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve manufacturing performance and reduce costs.
• Ensure adequate resource planning to meet changing business demands.
• Support the successful introduction of new products into production.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement across the manufacturing operation.
• Lead and support improvement projects focused on productivity, quality, waste reduction and operational efficiency.
• Challenge existing processes and identify opportunities to improve ways of working.
• Encourage employee involvement in continuous improvement activities.

Food Safety, Quality and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality, health and safety and legal requirements.
• Maintain high standards in line with company procedures and relevant industry standards.
• Support internal and external audits as required.
• Work closely with Technical and Quality teams to resolve issues and drive improvements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Operations, Technical, Quality, NPD and Commercial functions.
• Support business objectives through effective communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to wider business projects and strategic initiatives as required.

Key Performance Indicators

• Health and safety performance.
• Production efficiency and productivity.
• Labour utilisation and cost control.
• Quality and food safety performance.
• Employee engagement and retention.
• Delivery of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Achievement of production targets and service levels.

General Responsibilities

• Comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Promote a safe and inclusive working environment.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level of the role.