Production manager | Fresh Produce | Soham |
Salary: Up to £48,000 + Bonus
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Production Manager to join a leading fresh produce business with a rich heritage in the industry. This is a key role within site operations, taking full ownership of a highly automated wash facility responsible for receiving, washing, grading, and supplying product to packing lines.
Operating across both organic and conventional streams, the wash department is a critical driver of site performance, directly influencing quality, efficiency, yield, and customer service levels.
The Role
Reporting to the General Manager and a part of the SLT, you will take full accountability for the performance of the wash/production operation.
This is a process-driven, high-volume environment running 7 days a week, supported by shift-based teams and team leaders who report directly into you.
You will be responsible for:
Owning all performance KPIs
Optimising crop utilisation and yield to maximise value for both the site and growers
Leading a proactive safety culture with a target of zero accidents
Ensuring the department is audit-ready at all times
Driving continuous improvement initiatives across efficiency and labour performance
Managing labour planning to ensure quality delivery at the most efficient cost
Key Performance Measures
Tonnes per hour / tonnes per labour hour
Yield performance and packout optimisation
GMP audit performance
Zero non-conformances across internal and external audits
Safety performance and engagement metrics
About You
We are looking for a confident and resilient manufacturing leader who thrives in a fast-paced, automated environment.
You will ideally bring:
5+ years' experience as a Production Manager or Shift Manager within Fresh Produce
Strong knowledge of food safety and HACCP (Level 3 preferred)
A proven track record of driving performance and leading teams
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and manage KPIs
Excellent IT skills, including confident use of spreadsheets and reporting tools
A hands-on, action-oriented leadership style
The Opportunity
This is a high-impact role within a business that values operational ownership, teamwork, and continuous improvement. You will have real autonomy to shape the performance and culture of a critical department while contributing to wider site success.
If you are an experienced production leader looking for your next step within fresh produce, then click below to apply or reach out to me directly at (url removed)