About AkzoNobel
Since 1792 we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color peoples lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands including Dulux International, Sikkens and Interpon is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long‑established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.
Production Manager
AkzoNobel Felling Gateshead
We encourage you to apply if you have relevant experience and expertise for this role even if you don’t meet all the criteria listed in the job description.
We’ve been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings there’s a good chance you’re only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world‑class portfolio of brands including Dulux International, Sikkens and Interpon is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from the most sustainable paints company which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.
Job Purpose
Join our Manufacturing team in Felling as a Production Manager where you’ll lead and continuously improve production operations at the site. You’ll ensure all processes are safe, efficient, cost‑effective and compliant with AkzoNobel’s HSE, quality and operational excellence standards. This role is pivotal in delivering daily output targets, managing a large production workforce and driving a culture of continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Manage daily production operations to meet demand and quality targets.
Accurately manage, track and report all departmental productivity KPIs on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
Establish performance standards for production and lead process confirmation and embed continuous improvement culture.
Develop individual team members and build a team capable of achieving the task; establish and enforce minimum personal performance level within Production.
Manage individual and team performance in line with AkzoNobel processes, stimulate talent management and identify and develop talents with growth potential.
Ensure strict adherence to Health Safety Environment & Security (HSE&S) standards acting as Site Incident Controller and Duty Manager as required.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean Six Sigma OEE) to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Lead and develop a team of 610 direct reports and over 50 indirect reports fostering high performance and engagement.
Collaborate cross‑functionally with Planning, Engineering, Quality and SHE teams to ensure smooth operations.
Maintain compliance with regulatory obligations (including COMAH) and AkzoNobel standards.
Oversee introduction of new products and manage change processes safely and effectively.
Monitor and report on KPIs embedding a culture of operational excellence.
What We’re Looking For
Essential :
Proven experience in manufacturing leadership and people management.
Strong knowledge of HSE regulations and safety standards.
Ability to deliver results in a fast‑paced complex production environment.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to self‑manage, prioritize and meet deadlines.
Desirable :
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Engineering.
Lean / Six Sigma or Business Improvement training.
Experience with large‑scale production operations and continuous improvement methodologies.
What Makes You Stand Out
A proactive mindset with a passion for safety and operational excellence.
Strong leadership and talent development skills.
Ability to influence and collaborate across functions.
Commitment to sustainability and innovation.
What We Offer at AkzoNobel
We offer great personal development opportunities and roles with breadth, depth of scope and impact. We also offer comprehensive packages including:
Competitive salary (depending on experience)
25 days holiday excluding bank holidays
Income protection
Staff discount at Dulux Decorator Centre stores
Employee Assistance Programme
Employee Life Assurance
Company pension
Product discounts
Flexible benefits scheme offering Gymflex, retail card, dental cover and more
We’ve been inventing the future for more than two centuries and need people like you to be part of the team. Apply online via the link and we will get right back to you.
At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when our organization all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.
Key Skills
* Lean Manufacturing
* Six Sigma
* Continuous Improvement
* Lean
* Management Experience
* 5S
* Operations Management
* Production Planning
* Production Management
* Kaizen
* Supervising Experience
* Manufacturing
Employment Type : Full Time
Experience : years
Vacancy : 1
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