Production Manager
Location: Milton Keynes
Salary: £65,000 + Benefits
Industry: FMCG / Food
Are you a driven Production Manager ready to lead from the front? Join a thriving, fast-paced food manufacturing business where your impact won't go unnoticed. We're looking for a results-focused leader to take charge of the site, driving performance, and inspire a team towards operational excellence.
The Opportunity:
This is your chance to be part of a growing, dynamic company where continuous improvement is the heartbeat of the operation. As the Production Manager, you'll play a critical role in shaping the site's future, with real opportunities for career progression and development.
You'll be responsible for leading a high-performing team in a chilled, high-risk food production environment. Reporting directly to the Site Manager, you'll oversee a team of 4 direct reports and lead a wider team of up to 150. Your mission? Maximise efficiency, maintain high standards, and drive a culture of excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
·Lead and develop your team - mentor, motivate, and manage
·Drive performance through KPI tracking and improvement initiatives
·Handle shift-level operational challenges and escalate as needed
·Support strategic plans to optimise site performance
·Embed Lean Manufacturing practices: 5S, Kaizen, Kanban
·Deliver on budget, cost control, and productivity targets
·Ensure compliance with Health & Safety and food safety regulations
·Promote a culture of continuous improvement and high standards
What You'll Bring:
·Proven leadership in FMCG or food manufacturing, preferably in chilled, high-risk environments
·Strong understanding of raw material to finished product processes
·A track record of successfully managing teams in high-pressure environments
·Knowledge of Lean tools and methodologies
·Excellent communication, planning, and problem-solving skills
·Confidence to chair meetings and drive team engagement
·Health & Safety and auditing experience
·Self-starting, hands-on attitude with the ability to work at pace
Why Join?
This business is not standing still. With big growth plans and a focus on building future leadership from within, now is the perfect time to come on board. If you're ambitious, resilient, and ready to lead a team through the next stage of operational excellence - we want to hear from you.
Commutable from: Luton, Dunstable, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Bedford, Aylesbury, Leighton Buzzard, Bicester, Banbury