Production Manager

Are you an experienced Production Manager with a passion for food manufacturing and driving operational excellence?

We're recruiting on behalf of a rapidly growing premium food manufacturer seeking a hands-on Production Manager to lead production operations, develop high-performing teams, and drive continuous improvement across the site.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful and expanding business where quality, innovation, and people are at the heart of everything they do. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping production performance, championing food safety standards, and helping the business achieve ambitious growth plans.

As Production Manager, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day production operation, ensuring products are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

Working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, you'll lead and inspire production teams while identifying opportunities to improve processes, increase productivity, and reduce waste.

This role would suit an experienced food manufacturing professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys balancing strategic thinking with a hands-on approach.

• Lead and manage all day-to-day production activities.
• Drive performance against operational KPIs, quality standards, and customer expectations.
• Develop, coach, and motivate production teams to achieve outstanding results.
• Manage production schedules to maximise efficiency and minimise downtime.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with all Food Safety, BRCGS, Health & Safety, and quality standards.
• Lead regular team communications and performance reviews.
• Manage and develop Shift Managers and Section Leaders.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and succession planning.
• Resolve employee relations matters effectively and professionally.
• Work collaboratively across departments to support business growth and successful product launches.
• Produce performance reports and contribute to management meetings.

We're looking for a strong people leader with a proven track record in food manufacturing.

You'll bring:

• Previous recent experience as a Production Manager within a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, Food Safety, Quality, and Health & Safety requirements.
• Experience building and leading high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational and planning abilities.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with excellent problem-solving skills.
• The ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced production environment.
• A continuous improvement mindset, with Lean manufacturing knowledge highly desirable.

• Competitive salary
• Career development opportunities within a growing business
• Company pension scheme
• 28 days holiday including bank holidays
• Additional holiday entitlement after one year of service
• Paid Christmas shutdown day
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellbeing support hub
• Employee recognition awards
• Referral bonus scheme
• Casual dress environment
• Free on-site parking

Location: Cheltenham (fully site-based)

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm, with flexibility required to support operational needs.

If you're an ambitious Production Manager looking for your next challenge within a growing food manufacturing business, we'd love to hear from you.

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