Production Manager (Food Manufacturing)
Location: Leicester
Salary: Negotiable (dependent on experience)
Hours: 08:00 – 18:00 (flexibility may be considered)
Benefits: 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays), pension, sponsorship available
We are exclusively partnering with a well-established, family-run food manufacturer based in Leicester, supplying major UK retailers alongside education, healthcare, and workplace catering channels. The business is known for producing high-quality food products across both branded and own-label ranges, underpinned by a strong focus on consistency, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Why this role?
This is a hands-on leadership role where you will be right at the centre of operations—driving performance, leading teams, and ensuring production runs safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.
You’ll have the autonomy to influence how the site operates, with genuine scope to improve processes, develop people, and make a visible impact on output and performance.
The Role
As Production Manager, you will take full ownership of production and maintenance operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety standards are consistently achieved. This is a hands-on role requiring a strong mechanical engineering background and a proactive leadership style.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, develop, and inspire high-performing production and maintenance teams
* Manage the maintenance function, ensuring machinery efficiency and minimising downtime
* Take a hands-on approach to engineering support, including fault finding and troubleshooting
* Work closely with Production Supervisors to deliver daily and long-term production plans
* Ensure production targets are consistently met without compromising quality or safety
* Oversee site and building maintenance, including external contractors and suppliers
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives across production and engineering
* Champion a strong health & safety culture, reducing accidents and near misses
* Ensure full compliance with food safety, HACCP, and GMP standards
* Develop team capability through training, coaching, and succession planning
About You
* Proven experience in a Production Manager or similar leadership role within food manufacturing
* Strong mechanical engineering background (essential)
* Hands-on approach with the ability to support engineering and maintenance activity directly
* Experience managing maintenance teams and external suppliers
* Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, and GMP standards
* Confident leader who can balance operational delivery with people development
* Passionate about continuous improvement and driving site performance
The Opportunity
This is a chance to join a growing and respected food manufacturer where your leadership will directly influence performance, efficiency, and culture.
If you’re looking for a role where you can take ownership, lead from the front, and make a real operational impact—this is an excellent opportunity