The Production Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all manufacturing and production activity across the business including Dry Prep, Wet Prep, Butchery, Netting Room, our new High Care area, and the Cheese Cave. The role ensures that production runs efficiently, safely, and to the highest quality standards, with products delivered on time, in full, and within budget.
Operating in a fast-paced and scaling environment, the you will play a critical leadership role by driving operational excellence, improving processes, supporting growth in volume and product lines, and fostering a positive, engaged and high performing team culture. The role will include:
Production & Operational Leadership
* Oversee all product manufacturing and production processes across the Production Unit.
* Create and manage daily, weekly, monthly, and annual production schedules to maximise availability and minimise customer shorts.
* Monitor productivity, performance standards, and quality outcomes.
* Identify operational inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement in workflow, cost, and production output.
* Manage procurement of production equipment and ensure appropriate, proactive maintenance.
* Conduct stock takes, oversee inventory control, and manage supply orders.
Health, Safety & Quality
* Maintain exceptionally high hygiene and food safety standards across the Production Unit.
* Ensure compliance with all safety, health, environmental, and quality requirements.
* Implement and enforce company policies, processes, and operational standards.
* Lead the response to customer complaints, ensuring issues are resolved promptly and effectively.
People Management & Leadership
* Lead, motivate, and support the Production team, ensuring clarity of expectations and strong engagement.
* Train, develop, and coach team members to build capability and performance.
* Manage team issues fairly and proactively, including conflict resolution and performance concerns.
* Produce rotas and manage holidays, ensuring adequate resourcing across all areas.
* Conduct quarterly performance reviews for all production team colleagues.
* Foster a supportive, empowering environment where colleagues feel valued and able to perform at their best.
Communication & Reporting
* Build strong working relationships with colleagues, senior managers, and internal stakeholders.
* Communicate clearly, confidently, and persuasively across all levels,
* Escalate operational issues, risks, or obstacles in a timely manner.
* Manage departmental budget and cost controls.
* Work closely with NPD on new menu items and production readiness.
We are looking for someone who has:
* Proven experience managing production operations within a fast-paced food manufacturing or similar environment.
* Demonstrable experience overseeing multiple production areas and leading diverse teams.
* Strong track record of improving efficiency, productivity, and quality standards.
* Experience managing operational schedules, stock, procurement, and production equipment.
* Experience leading teams through periods of scale, change, and increased output.
* Formal qualifications are beneficial but not essential - practical leadership, operational capability, and values-led behaviour are prioritised.
* Strong leadership with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop teams.
* Production-focused mindset with excellent organisational and planning skills.
* Confident decision-making and problem-solving skills.
* Excellent communication skills - written and verbal.
* High emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
* Strong understanding of health, safety, hygiene and quality requirements.
* Ability to manage budgets, control costs, and identify efficiencies.
* Collaborative, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement.
Work-life balance is important to us and we want you to spend time with family, friends and doing things you just work. This is why we give you 30 days annual leave plus an additional 22 days off across the year, and still earn a full-time salary. Additionally, you will also have access to:
* A subsidised staff restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner all at a reduced cost
* Our discounted staff purchase scheme on over 4,000 products
* Enhanced family friendly policies
* Cycle to Work and EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
* Internal Mental Health First Aiders
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) including external mental health support and retail discounts
We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.