Production Manager

Some opportunities come along because someone leaves.

Others come along because a business is growing.

This is very much the latter.

I'm partnering with an ambitious and expanding food manufacturer in West London that has reached an exciting point in its journey. As the business continues to grow, they're looking to appoint a hands-on Production Manager who can help shape the next chapter of their manufacturing operation.

This isn't a role where you'll simply inherit a well-established structure and keep things ticking over. It's an opportunity to make a genuine impact, influence how the operation evolves, and build your career alongside a business with significant growth plans.

For the right person, this could be the perfect step up.

Perhaps you're currently a Production Shift Manager, Senior Supervisor, Assistant Production Manager, or someone who has been successfully leading teams and delivering results but hasn't yet been given the opportunity to step into a broader management role. If you're ready for more responsibility, greater ownership, and the chance to develop into a future senior leader, this could be exactly what you've been waiting for.

As Production Manager, you'll take responsibility for the day-to-day manufacturing operation across multiple shifts, ensuring products are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. You'll lead from the front, spending time where it matters most - on the factory floor, supporting teams, solving problems, driving performance, and creating a culture where people can thrive.

What You'll Be Doing
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, coach, and develop Production Managers and Assistant Managers across multiple shifts.
Create a culture of accountability, engagement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Conduct regular performance reviews, appraisals, and 1-2-1s to support development and succession planning.
Ensure clear communication and alignment between day and night shift operations.
Driving Operational Excellence
Take ownership of daily production performance, ensuring targets for output, yield, waste, labour efficiency, and service levels are achieved.
Maintain a strong factory-floor presence, supporting teams and resolving operational challenges in real time.
Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and optimise manufacturing performance.
Ensure production plans are executed effectively while responding to changing business demands.
Food Safety, Quality & Compliance
Champion the highest standards of food safety, quality, and legality across the operation.
Ensure full compliance with BRC, HACCP, customer requirements, and internal quality systems.
Work closely with Technical and QA teams to maintain exceptional standards.
Support audits, investigations, corrective actions, and continuous compliance improvement.
Health & Safety
Promote a strong safety culture throughout the production function.
Ensure policies, procedures, and risk assessments are embedded into everyday operations.
Lead accident prevention initiatives and take ownership of Health & Safety performance indicators.
Continuous Improvement
Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across production.
Review existing processes and implement best practices to improve efficiency.
Identify opportunities to improve labour utilisation, process flow, equipment performance, and operational effectiveness.
Play an active role in supporting the company's growth journey through operational excellence.
What We're Looking For
Essential Experience
Proven leadership experience within food manufacturing, ideally in a senior production, shift management, or operational leadership role.
Strong understanding of BRC, HACCP, food safety, and quality systems.
Experience leading large teams across multiple shifts.
A track record of delivering results in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
Strong communication, leadership, and people management skills.
Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and production management systems.
Desirable Experience
Experience within chilled or high-care food manufacturing.
Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma knowledge and experience.
IOSH or NEBOSH qualifications.
Experience supplying major retailers and working within their audit standards and expectations.
The Person

This role requires someone who is as comfortable rolling up their sleeves on the factory floor as they are reviewing performance data and driving strategic improvements.

You'll be a visible and engaging leader who enjoys developing people, solving problems, and making things better every day. Commercially aware, operationally strong, and passionate about food manufacturing, you'll thrive in an environment where your ideas are welcomed and your contribution genuinely matters.

Why This Opportunity?

The real attraction here is the future.

This is a growing SME where you'll have the chance to make a visible impact, influence the direction of the operation, and progress your career as the business continues to expand.

If you're looking for a role where your contribution will be recognised, your voice will be heard, and your career can develop alongside an ambitious food manufacturing business, I'd love to tell you more.

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