Production Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled Production Manager to join a fast-paced food manufacturing environment in Essex. This role will take full ownership of production activities across a busy site, ensuring operations run efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and service.

The business produces a diverse range of ambient food products supplied to major UK retailers and foodservice channels.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary of £40,000 – £50,000 depending on experience
• Monday to Friday working days
• Enhanced holidays 
• Pension scheme and employee benefits platform

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations, ensuring output, quality, and safety targets are consistently delivered
• Develop, coach, and motivate production teams to create a high-performing and accountable culture
• Oversee staffing matters including performance management, absence, and employee development
• Coordinate production plans and schedules to meet customer demand while maximising efficiency
• Monitor performance metrics and drive accountability through KPI tracking and reporting
• Identify areas for improvement and implement practical solutions to enhance productivity and reduce waste
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety compliance across all operations
• Collaborate closely with departments such as Technical, Engineering, Planning, and Supply Chain
• Support and lead site audits, ensuring compliance with both internal standards and external requirements

About You

• Demonstrated experience in a Production Manager role within food manufacturing or FMCG
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing teams in a fast-moving environment
• Practical, hands-on approach with a visible presence on the factory floor
• Solid understanding of food safety and compliance standards (e.g. HACCP, BRC)
• Comfortable working in a high-volume, fast-paced production setting
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities with a proactive mindset
• Experience working with major UK retailers and understanding of their operational expectations is advantageous
• Knowledge of audit processes and experience supporting site audit