Assistant Production Manager

Chesterfield Poultry; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesterfield Poultry in Doncaster seeks an Assistant Production Manager to lead daily production operations, supervise line staff, and drive targets for output, OEE, yield and efficiency on rotating shifts. You will monitor workflow, adjust schedules, reduce downtime, and coordinate with QA to maintain HACCP/GMP compliance and overall food safety and quality.

Applicants should hold a degree in Food Science/Technology or related engineering field, with strong leadership, communication, and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of food safety regulations.
• Leadership and people management abilities.
• Ability to solve problems under pressure.
• Understanding of production planning processes.
• Basic knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
• Good communication skills across teams and levels.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities on the floor.
• Ensure production targets (volume, OEE, yield) are met and monitor KPIs.
• Monitor workflow and adjust schedules to optimise throughput.
• Coordinate with Quality Assurance and food safety compliance teams.

Skills

Food safety regulations

Leadership & people management

Problem-solving under pressure

Production planning

Lean manufacturing principles

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Food Technology

Industrial Engineering

Manufacturing/Production Engineering

Job description

Assistant Production Manager

Location: Doncaster

Salary: £42,000

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Working rotational shifts

• 08.00 - 17.00 one hour unpaid for lunch
• 15.00 - 12.00 / 13.00 - one hour unpaid for lunch.

Production Operations

• Supervise daily production activities on the floor.
• Ensure production targets (volume, OEE, yield, efficiency) are met.
• Monitor workflow and adjust schedules as needed.
• Reduce downtime and improve productivity.

Food Safety & Quality Compliance

Ensure compliance with:

• HACCP
• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
• FDA / local food regulations
• ISO / FSSC standards (if applicable)
• Monitor hygiene, sanitation, and CCPs (Critical Control Points)
• Coordinate with Quality Assurance teams

Team Management

• Supervise line leaders and production staff.
• Conduct shift briefings.
• Train employees on SOPs and safety procedures.
• Handle attendance, discipline, and performance issues.

Inventory & Materials Control

• Coordinate raw material availability.
• Minimise waste and product loss.
• Monitor packaging material usage.

Equipment & Maintenance

• Ensure machinery is operating properly.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance.
• Report breakdowns and reduce production delays.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain production reports.
• Track KPIs (OEE, yield, downtime, waste).
• Prepare daily/weekly performance summaries.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of food safety regulations.
• Leadership & people management.
• Problem-solving under pressure.
• Understanding of production planning.
• Basic knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
• Good communication skills.

Educational Background

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science
• Food Technology
• Industrial Engineering
• Manufacturing/Production Engineering
• 3-5 years experience in food manufacturing and Dispatch Operations.