We are currently recruiting for an experienced operational leader to join a major heavy manufacturing site in East Lothian.
The Dayshift Production Manager, plays a critical role in overseeing plant operations and leading teams across the production process, from raw material handling through to dispatch. The successful candidate will ensure operations are carried out safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all environmental, regulatory, and operational standards.
While this role primarily operates on a day-shift basis, the site runs a continuous 24/7 operation throughout the year. As such, some flexibility is required, including occasional night working, weekends, bank holidays, and on-call support when necessary.
This position is key to maintaining high standards of safety, operational efficiency, reliability, and compliance. The role also requires building strong working relationships across operational and technical teams and includes line management responsibility for shift supervisors.
Key Responsibilities
Safety
Promote and maintain a safety-first culture across the site.
Ensure compliance with all legal, environmental, and operational safety standards.
Conduct toolbox talks and review isolation procedures regularly.
Ensure risk assessments and method statements are completed and maintained.
Carry out regular safety leadership interactions and site inspections.
Leadership & People Management
Lead operational teams within a continuous manufacturing environment, ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently.
Foster teamwork, accountability, and strong employee engagement.
Manage performance reviews, development plans, and regular one-to-one meetings.
Ensure appropriate staffing levels during absences and operational demands.
Cost & Efficiency Management
Maintain awareness of plant operating costs and production KPIs.
Support initiatives to reduce disruption, energy consumption, and fuel usage.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement across operations.
Contribute to improvements in automation and process control systems.
Support purchasing and procurement activities through SAP or equivalent systems.
Productivity & Reliability
Coordinate operational response during breakdowns and plant interruptions.
Work closely with maintenance, engineering, and technical teams to improve plant reliability.
Participate in root cause analysis investigations and improvement activities.
Ensure inspections are completed and recorded accurately within maintenance systems.
Escalate recurring equipment or process issues appropriately.
Support management of critical raw material stocks and operational inventories.The ideal candidate will have:
Proven operational leadership experience within a heavy industrial, manufacturing, process environments.
Strong people management and team development skills.
A proactive and flexible approach to operational leadership.
A commitment to maintaining high Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.
Experience working within continuous process or 24/7 operational environments.
An engineering or technical background would be advantageous