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Job Title: Autonomous Production Unit (APU) Manager
Shift Pattern:
Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm
About Us
At Europe Snacks Ltd, we believe our people are our greatest asset. We pride ourselves on being a great place to work, having been recognised as an ‘Outstanding Workplace’ in 2022 and 2023, and we do this by living our values of Entrepreneurship, Excellence, and Care in everything we do. As a leading name in the snacks industry, we are committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
About the Role
This role will drive efficiencies of production to meet demand. It requires a proactive approach in problem‑solving to address production issues to deliver service and continuous improvement. Results‑focused role, leading to better labour efficiencies in accordance with the Business Operational KPIs and high technical standards of quality, safety and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). Collaborating closely with the maintenance and logistics teams to minimise downtime and support production schedules.
Reporting to the Site Director, the role will involve leading and motivating autonomous production teams, within defined operational areas, ensuring compliance to all Health and Safety and operational standards.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Safety and Compliance
* Investigate and resolve all accidents and near misses to maintain and enhance workplace safety.
* Take the lead in implementing and enforcing site Health and Safety protocols.
* Ensure compliance with group, category, and legislative requirements.
* Collaborate with colleagues to identify and mitigate Health & Safety risks.
* Promptly address RCAs and Non‑Conformances related to Health & Safety.
* Set a standard of zero tolerance for Health & Safety issues within your area.
* Monitor and manage employee working hours to ensure they remain below 60 per week.
* Monitor and enhance Health and Safety commitment and performance.
Quality Assurance
* Champion a culture of right‑first time (RFTY) and instill a strong Food Safety Culture.
* Implement and manage procedures for food safety, quality, hygiene, and production.
* Conduct training sessions, refreshers, and evaluations to maintain standards.
* Ensure adherence to high standards of hygiene and good manufacturing practices.
* Drive the proactive closure of non‑conformances raised during audits.
* Develop and implement SOPs and coordinate Training Operating Procedures (TOPs).
* Ensure compliance with GMP and product specifications to prevent quality deficiencies.
* Escalate any potential issues that pose a risk to Food Safety or Product Quality.
Delivery and Efficiency
* Plan and manage production schedules to meet volume and order requirements.
* Communicate KPIs clearly to all staff to ensure targets are met.
* Contribute to Food Safety, People, and Health & Safety requirements.
* Proactively address operational issues and work with colleagues to resolve them.
* Ensure daily targets are achieved through effective teamwork.
* Drive improvements in downtime and efficiency.
* Lead best practices and demonstrate continuous improvement across all areas.
Cost Management
* Effectively manage controllable costs within agreed budgets and standards.
* Collaborate with colleagues to address planned and unplanned lost time events.
* Reduce waste and increase efficiency through detailed SOPs and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
* Adhere strictly to performance management cycles and RCPs.
* Achieve weekly Profit and Loss targets.
People Management
* Drive the site people management agenda and align behaviours with company expectations.
* Coach, develop, and lead shift managers to foster a high‑performance culture.
* Promote teamwork ethics and quality assurance food safety culture.
* Ensure effective communication between managers and shift employees.
* Maintain a development plan for each Shift Manager.
* Drive proactive involvement in Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
* Support work standardisation and visual management.
* Play an active role in completing line KPIs and improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree: Preferably in food science, engineering, or a related field.
* Experience: At least 3 years of experience in food manufacturing, with progressive responsibility in production management roles.
* Certifications: Relevant certifications in food safety (e.g., HACCP, SQF, BRC) and/or production management (e.g., Six Sigma) are advantageous.
* Regulatory knowledge: Familiarity with food safety regulations and compliance requirements.
* Technical skills: Proficiency in using production management software and other relevant tools.
* Leadership training: Completion of leadership or management training programmes.
* Problem‑solving training: Training in problem‑solving methodologies such as root cause analysis and Lean Six Sigma.
* Safety training: Certification or training in occupational health and safety practices.
* Quality management training: Training in quality management systems and practices.
* Continuous improvement training: Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies such as Kaizen and 5S.
Skills
* Leadership: Ability to lead and motivate teams to achieve operational excellence.
* Problem‑solving: Proven record of identifying and addressing production issues effectively.
* Communication: Clear and concise communication skills to convey instructions and expectations to team members.
* Decision‑making: Sound judgement to make timely decisions that impact production processes.
* Technical proficiency: Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes and equipment.
* Quality management: Experience in maintaining high standards of quality and ensuring compliance with regulations.
* Safety consciousness: Commitment to maintaining a safe working environment and adhering to health and safety protocols.
* Continuous improvement: Dedication to driving continuous improvement initiatives and implementing best practices.
* Organisation: Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise responsibilities effectively.
* Teamwork: Collaborative mindset to work effectively with cross‑functional teams and support colleagues.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to take the leap and join a company that is passionate about its people, apply today and help us shape the future of Europe Snacks.
Closing Date
31st October 2025
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
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