An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled Production Manager to join a fast-paced food manufacturing environment in Essex. This role will take full ownership of production activities across a busy site, ensuring operations run efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and service.
The business produces a diverse range of ambient food products supplied to major UK retailers and foodservice channels.
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary of £40,000 - £50,000 depending on experience
* Monday to Friday working days
* Enhanced holidays
* Pension scheme and employee benefits platform
Key Responsibilities
* Lead daily production operations, ensuring output, quality, and safety targets are consistently delivered
* Develop, coach, and motivate production teams to create a high-performing and accountable culture
* Oversee staffing matters including performance management, absence, and employee development
* Coordinate production plans and schedules to meet customer demand while maximising efficiency
* Monitor performance metrics and drive accountability through KPI tracking and reporting
* Identify areas for improvement and implement practical solutions to enhance productivity and reduce waste
* Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety compliance across all operations
* Collaborate closely with departments such as Technical, Engineering, Planning, and Supply Chain
* Support and lead site audits, ensuring compliance with both internal standards and external requirements
About You
* Demonstrated experience in a Production Manager role within food manufacturing or FMCG
* Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing teams in a fast-moving environment
* Practical, hands-on approach with a visible presence on the factory floor
* Solid understanding of food safety and compliance standards (e.g. HACCP, BRC)
* Comfortable working in a high-volume, fast-paced production setting
* Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities with a proactive mindset
* Experience working with major UK retailers and understanding of their operational expectations is advantageous
* Knowledge of audit processes and experience supporting site audit