Job Title: Production Manager
Location: Newton Aycliffe
Salary: £55,000-£60,000
Benefits:
* 9% employer pension contribution through salary sacrifice
* Bonus scheme
* 26 days plus 8 bank holidays
* Life insurance covering you up to 6x your salary if you have financial dependants
* Discounted BUPA membership for you and your family
* Online discount portal to save money with retailers used in everyday life
The Company:
Theo James Recruitment is proud to bring an exciting Production Manager opportunity to market through our dedicated Executive and Leadership Search function. This role sits within a global leader in the polymer and chemical manufacturing sector, based in the North East. The successful candidate will join a dynamic leadership team, working closely with other senior stakeholders to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across the site. This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking business that not only leads in its field but also places a strong emphasis on people, culture, and long-term development — making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
Working Hours: Day shift
Job Description:
Leading a High-Performing Team: Inspire, support, and develop a large production team, aligning them with site strategy while promoting a culture of accountability, coaching, and continuous growth.
Driving Operational Best Practices: Own and evolve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), bringing structure and consistency to how the plant runs, while embracing new technologies and digital improvements.
Building Skills and Capability: Ensure all operators are fully trained, competent, and supported through clear development plans and robust validation processes that uphold industry-leading standards.
Planning for Performance: Work closely with the supply chain to align resources with production demand, adapt to changing priorities, and make sure production targets are consistently met.
Maintaining a World-Class Environment: Champion high standards in housekeeping and equipment condition, embedding 5S principles and initiating Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) improvements.
Reducing Downtime and Improving Efficiency: Use data-driven insights and SMED analysis to minimise changeover times, reduce human error, and trial new methods that drive faster, smarter production.
Owning Cost Control: Keep a close eye on overtime, waste, and consumables, ensuring targets are met and budgets are maintained without compromising on quality or output.
Optimising Stock Management: Lead inventory control efforts to ensure optimal stock levels and accurate reporting, while maintaining a clean, efficient and audit-ready production environment.
Engaging with Customers: Represent the production team during site audits or customer visits, and support complaint investigations with robust root cause analysis and process improvements.
Skills & Experience:
Proven leadership experience in a fast-paced production or process environment.
Strong knowledge of operational best practices, including lean manufacturing, SOPs, 5S, TPM and SMED
A track record of building and developing high-performing teams
Excellent problem-solving skills, with confidence in root cause analysis and driving continuous improvement
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills – able to influence, coach and collaborate across all levels
Ideally, experience managing production in a regulated environment.
Why Should You Apply?
Working for a leading chemical manufacturing company based in Newton Aycliffe offers the opportunity to be part of a dynamic and innovative team at the forefront of materials development. The site is known for its commitment to high-quality production standards, continuous improvement, and sustainability initiatives. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment, opportunities for career progression, and the chance to contribute to products that have a real-world impact across various industries. Its location in Newton Aycliffe also provides a strong community feel, excellent transport links, and a balance between professional and personal life