Senior Production Manager
Location: Warrenpoint, Newry, Northern Ireland
Reports To: Manufacturing Manager
Department: Operations
Overview
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Production Manager to join a leading food manufacturing operation. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring that the Production Department delivers all products on time, in full, and to specification, while maintaining the highest standards in Health & Safety (H&S), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), food safety, and quality.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee all aspects of Production, ensuring chilled and frozen products are completed On Time In Full (OTIF) and to the agreed specifications.
* Manage picking and dispatch performance for traded goods.
* Ensure product quality, cost control, and compliance standards are consistently met.
People Management
* Lead and develop Production personnel, ensuring staffing levels, onboarding, and training requirements are met.
* Foster a positive culture focused on performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Operational Efficiency & Cost Control
* Monitor ingredient and packaging usage in line with agreed specifications and cost standards.
* Oversee stock control, yield performance, and waste reduction strategies.
* Ensure labour costs and line efficiencies align with financial targets.
Compliance & Standards
* Ensure adherence to H&S, Food Safety, BRCGS requirements, and company policies.
* Maintain a high standard of GMP across all shifts and production areas.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Support the NPD team with factory trials and new product introductions.
* Work with Engineering and Maintenance to ensure equipment reliability, preventive maintenance, and contingency planning.
* Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives, process standardisation, and ongoing operational improvements.
* Contribute to sustainability initiatives and support site-wide operational excellence projects.
Requirements
* Demonstrable experience in a senior production or manufacturing management role within the food industry.
* Proven track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams and achieving production KPIs.
* Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes, automation, compliance, and quality standards.
* Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills.
* Proficiency in performance monitoring, KPI management, and production reporting.
* Ability to work under pressure with a hands‑on, solution‑focused approach.
* Experience with continuous improvement methodologies and Lean Manufacturing.
* Strong people management and team development experience.
KPIs (Reviewed Annually)
* Labour cost per unit for fresh and frozen products
* Units Per Hour (UPH) for fresh and frozen lines
* On‑Time In‑Full (OTIF) delivery performance
* Average Wibit Score
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Administrative
Industries
Food and Beverage Services, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, and Food and Beverage Retail
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