My job
Production Area Manager – Ruskington
Ruskington ¦ 5 out of 7 days (Mon–Sun) ¦ Production Environment
We're looking for a motivated and experienced Production Area Manager to take charge of up to 13 production lines and lead a team of around 95 people in our fast-paced snacking factory. This is your opportunity to step into a high-responsibility role where you'll be central to delivering excellence in safety, quality, output, and team performance.
What You'll Do
* Lead & Manage: Direct, motivate, and support your Line Leaders to run smooth, safe, and efficient operations across multiple production lines.
* Performance Delivery: Be accountable for meeting and exceeding operational KPIs across safety, people, quality, cost, and service.
* Production Oversight: Plan, monitor, and adjust resources to meet customer orders while optimising efficiency and minimising downtime.
* Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase productivity, leading C.I. projects from idea to implementation.
* Training & Development: Coach and develop Line Leaders and Associates, ensuring your team has the skills, knowledge, and motivation to succeed.
* Compliance & Standards: Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and quality requirements, with particular focus on HACCP and audit readiness.
* Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with Technical, Planning, Engineering, and HR teams to ensure smooth production flow and consistent product quality.
What You'll Bring
* Experience: Minimum 2+ years' experience in a meat production environment (essential), ideally in a management or supervisory role.
* Knowledge: Strong understanding of HACCP principles, food safety systems, and compliance requirements.
* Qualifications: Food Safety Level 3 and HACCP Level 3 (or willingness to obtain); management qualification desirable.
* Leadership: Proven ability to manage and develop large teams (50+ people), building a high-performance culture.
* Analytical Skills: High level of numeracy with the ability to interpret data, monitor performance, and make informed decisions.
* Organisation: Excellent planning and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
* Communication: Confident communicator able to engage with staff at all levels, from shop floor to senior leadership.
* Mindset: Proactive, solutions-focused, and results-driven, with a passion for operational excellence.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
* Life insurance and pension scheme for all employees.
* Wellbeing support including mini health MOTs, and more.
* Career development opportunities and ongoing training.
* Staff shop discounts, free onsite parking, and subsidised canteen.
* The chance to work for an international organisation producing high-quality food to industry-leading standards.
Apply today – send your CV as soon as possible and we will get in touch with you
Take the lead and help shape the future of food production with us
The company
Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets.
Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products.
Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrim's Europe team are based in our Pilgrim's UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim's Food Masters and Pilgrim's Shared Services businesses.
What we'll bring to the table
Competitive Salary
Competitive Holiday Entitlement
Pension Contribution
Family Friendly Policies
Learning and Development Opportunities
Life Assurance
People matter
Our values
Determination
Simplicity
Availability
Humility
Discipline
Sincerity
Ownership