Production Manager

Back to job search

Production Manager

  • Location:

    Essex

  • Sector:

    Engineering & Operations

  • Salary:

    £50000 - £60000

  • Contact:

    Tracey Fleming

  • Contact email:

    tracey.fleming@alexandersteele.com

  • Contact phone:

    0131 573 0889

  • Job ref:

    3347

  • Published:

    about 2 hours ago

  • Expiry date:

    25 Apr 2026

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 £50,000 – £60,000 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 audits