Production Manager (Packhouse) | Fresh Produce | Herefordshire
Hours: 4 on / 3 off ~ 12‑hour days
Looking to take the step up into management? Have a passion for driving performance and want to join a business with a culture that will nurture and develop those skills? I've partnered with a leading Fresh Produce business to find their next Production Manager, this is a pivotal role within the site leadership structure, offering the chance to drive performance, influence operational strategy, and play a key part in shaping the future of the packhouse as it continues to evolve.
The Offer
* Highly competitive salary
* 4 on / 3 off shift pattern (rotating days off e.g. Thurs‑Sat or Sun‑Tues)
* 33 days holiday
* A supportive environment with a strong team culture
* Opportunity to play a key role in shaping how the operation develops
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Packing, you will take responsibility for driving efficiency, cost control, and performance across multiple production lines, working closely with fellow Production Managers, Supervisors, and operational teams.
Operating within a structure that blends hands‑on production leadership with operational thinking, this role goes beyond day‑to‑day management. You will be expected to understand cost drivers, set targets, and continuously improve how the operation performs.
Key responsibilities include:
* Driving performance across intake, production, and despatch areas
* Managing cost per unit, labour efficiency, and waste, identifying gaps and implementing improvements
* Planning and organising production to meet customer demand and tight despatch deadlines
* Leading, motivating, and developing teams, ensuring clear communication and accountability
* Supporting the development of a more structured, performance‑led reporting culture
* Analysing performance and reacting quickly to issues, identifying root causes and implementing next‑day improvements
* Deputising for the Head of Packing when required
The Operation
* Multi‑line, fast‑paced fresh produce packhouse (7 lines)
* Team of Production Managers working collaboratively across shifts
* Strong investment in systems (MRP and in‑house platforms)
* A site going through a positive transition, with opportunities to improve structure, reporting, and performance culture
About You
This role will suit someone who is both operationally strong and commercially aware, with the confidence to challenge, improve, and lead from the front.
* Experience in a food or fresh produce manufacturing environment
* Proven ability to manage production teams in a fast‑paced setting
* Strong understanding of costs, efficiency, and operational KPIs
* A continuous improvement mindset, able to identify issues and act on them quickly
* The confidence to hold people accountable and drive standards
* A calm, resilient approach under pressure
* Strong communication skills and a desire to develop both yourself and the wider team
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