Assistant Production Manager in Rochester)

New Appointments Group; Rochester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

New Appointments Group is seeking an experienced Assistant Production Manager for a busy food manufacturing operation in Rochester. This hands-on leadership role will support the Production Manager and lead a sizeable team to achieve targets across output, quality, efficiency, safety and continuous improvement.

You will drive smooth production, manage resources effectively and uphold high shop floor standards, focusing on productivity, waste reduction and CI across the operation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience within food or FMCG manufacturing.
• 2+ years' supervisory/management in a shift-based production environment.
• Degree-level qualification in Food Technology, Engineering, Operations or related discipline.
• Strong experience managing production teams and manpower.
• Good knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or similar.
• Experience with production reporting and KPI management.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000 or FSSC.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and manage a production team of around 20+ employees.
• Oversee shift production to ensure daily, weekly and monthly targets are achieved.
• Allocate manpower across production lines based on operational requirements.
• Monitor KPIs including output, OEE, waste and downtime.
• Record production activity, material usage and finished goods in ERP.
• Collaborate with Warehouse/Logistics/Maintenance/Quality to minimise downtime.
• Carry out stock checks and maintain inventory accuracy.
• Drive improvements in productivity, waste reduction and resource use.
• Support audits and maintain audit-ready records.
• Manage attendance, performance and training within the shift team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

People management

Production leadership

Education

Degree in Food Technology/Engineering/Operations

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Job description

Assistant Production Manager

Location: Rochester, Kent

Hours: 6:00pm - 6:00am, 4 on 4 off

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

We are looking for an experienced Assistant Production Manager to join a busy manufacturing operation in Rochester. This is a hands‑on leadership role, responsible for supporting the Production Manager and leading a sizeable production team to achieve targets across output, quality, efficiency, safety and continuous improvement.

You will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of production, managing resources effectively and maintaining high standards across the shop floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and manage a production team of around 20+ employees.
• Oversee shift production to ensure daily, weekly and monthly targets are achieved.
• Allocate manpower effectively across production lines based on operational requirements.
• Monitor key production KPIs including output, OEE, waste and downtime.
• Ensure all production activity, raw material usage and finished goods are accurately recorded within the ERP system.
• Manage material returns and ensure accurate reconciliation of raw materials, packaging and finished goods.
• Work closely with Warehouse, Logistics, Maintenance and Quality teams to minimise downtime and production issues.
• Carry out stock checks and ensure inventory accuracy.
• Drive improvements in productivity, waste reduction and resource utilisation.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, food safety, hygiene and GMP/HACCP standards.
• Maintain accurate production, safety and quality documentation and ensure records remain audit-ready.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Manage attendance, performance, training and disciplinary matters within the shift team.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork and high performance.
• Drive continuous improvement projects and ensure the production team actively participates in CI initiatives.

The Ideal Candidate

• 5+ years' experience within food or FMCG manufacturing.
• At least 2 years' experience in a supervisory or management position within a shift-based production environment.
• Degree-level qualification in Food Technology, Engineering, Operations or a related discipline.
• Strong experience managing production teams and manpower.
• Good knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Business Central or similar.
• Experience with production reporting and KPI management.
• Knowledge of food safety standards including GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000 or FSSC.
• Experience working with or alongside Warehouse Management Systems.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
• A practical, hands‑on and flexible approach with a strong sense of accountability.
• Willingness to work the hours required to support the operation.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to take a key leadership role within a large-scale manufacturing environment.
• Scope to make a real impact on production performance and continuous improvement.
• Long-term career development opportunities.

Before submitting your CV, please take a moment to check the layout, spelling, and grammar. If your CV includes graphics or design features, we'd also appreciate a simplified version in Word format.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in line with the Equality Act 2010. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.