Production Manager

Production Manager / Manufacturing Manager
Chocolate Production
Salary: £45,000+ per annum
Location: Holton Heath, Dorset
Team: 20–30 employees

Reporting to: Site General Manager

About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Production Manager / Manufacturing Manager to join our growing chocolate manufacturing operation at Holton Heath.
This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for managing the day-to-day production operation and leading a team of approximately 20–30 employees.

Commutable Locations
Holton Heath, Poole, Bournemouth, Wareham, Wimborne, Ferndown, Dorchester, Blandford Forum, Christchurch, Ringwood and the wider Dorset area.
You will ensure that the site consistently delivers high-quality chocolate products safely, efficiently and on time, while developing people and driving continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage the day-to-day production operation.
Manage, motivate, coach and develop a team of 20–30 employees.
Achieve production plans, targets, quality standards and deadlines.
Monitor KPIs, productivity and production efficiency.
Identify and implement continuous-improvement opportunities.
Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, quality and health & safety.
Manage staffing, labour and production resources.
Identify and resolve production issues quickly and effectively.
Work closely with Quality, Warehouse, NPD and the Site General Manager.
Ensure company procedures and manufacturing standards are consistently followed.
Build a culture of teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.
Be a visible, hands-on leader who leads from the front.

About You
We are looking for an experienced production or manufacturing leader from food manufacturing, FMCG, manufacturing or a similar fast-paced environment.
You may currently be working as a:

Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager, Production Operations Manager, Manufacturing Operations Manager, Factory Manager, Site Production Manager, Senior Production Manager, Production Lead

You'll be:
An experienced and confident people manager.
Comfortable managing teams of 20–30+ employees.
Organised, proactive and commercially aware.
Passionate about quality, safety and continuous improvement.
Confident managing production KPIs and solving operational problems.
A strong communicator who leads by example.

Chocolate, confectionery, food manufacturing or FMCG experience is desirable, but strong manufacturing candidates from other relevant sectors will also be considered.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to join a growing chocolate business where you can have a genuine impact on production.
You'll have the opportunity to develop processes, improve efficiency, build a high-performing team and contribute directly to the continued growth of the business.
If you enjoy being hands-on, visible and close to the operation, this is an opportunity to make a real difference.

What's on Offer?
£45,000+ salary, depending on experience.
Employee discount and store discount.
Discounted or free food.
On-site canteen.
Free on-site parking.
Opportunity to develop within a growing business.
Genuine responsibility and influence.