Position Title: Production Manager
Location: Preston, UK – Onsite
Position Overview
The Production Manager at our Preston site supports the Plant Manager and is responsible for overseeing safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing of bonding agents. This role leads daily operations across five plant areas and ensures compliance with UK legislation and H.B. Fuller EHS standards. The ideal candidate will also contribute to cross-functional plant projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
Primary Responsibilities
1. Ensure adherence to H.B. Fuller’s EHS standards and UK Health & Safety regulations
2. Foster and promote a strong safety culture within manufacturing and warehouse operations
3. Supervise production across five areas with annual output of 2,800–3,200 tonnes
4. Plan and allocate manpower, including external temporary labor
5. Monitor and report plant-level KPIs to operational leadership
6. Ensure high availability and efficiency of production equipment in collaboration with maintenance
7. Lead and develop production team members to meet quality and service goals
8. Support internal projects related to equipment, quality, logistics, and safety
9. Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives
10. Participate in customer audits as needed
Minimum Requirements
11. Degree in Chemical Engineering (or equivalent) or similar technical qualification (e.g. HNC)
12. 5+ years of experience in manufacturing
13. 5+ years of experience managing teams in a production environment
14. Strong communication skills with the ability to operate across all organizational levels
15. Fluent in English, both spoken and written
16. Practical knowledge of KPI deployment and operational performance metrics
17. High proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
Preferred Requirements
18. Experience in adhesives, paints, inks, or chemical production
19. Exposure to international manufacturing environments
20. Familiarity with Lean, 5S, and Six Sigma methodologies (certification a plus)
21. Strong leadership track record and performance management experience
22. Proficient in ERP systems (e.g., SAP or PRISM)