Bottling & Canning Production Manager

Edwin Holden's Bottling Co. Ltd.; Dudley; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bottling company in Dudley is seeking a Production Manager to oversee daily bottling and canning operations. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership skills in a fast-paced environment, a commitment to quality and safety, and the ability to develop strong production teams. This full-time, on-site role requires excellent organizational capabilities and a proactive mindset.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Strong commitment to health & safety and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day bottling and canning operations.
• Ensure all production meets quality systems and standards.
• Monitor and report on production performance.

Skills

Leadership experience in production

People-management skills

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of continuous improvement tools

Commitment to health & safety

Job description

Production Manager - Bottling & Canning

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Production Manager at Edwin Holden's Bottling Co. Ltd. The Production Manager will oversee day-to-day bottling and canning operations, ensuring production runs safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. The role requires a hands-on leader with excellent organisational and people-management skills, capable of driving performance in a fast-paced and developing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for the Production Teams, covering all aspects of staff management, production (from intake through to despatch), health & safety, quality targets, security, housekeeping, and hygiene.
• Ensure all production meets the company’s quality systems, food safety standards, and customer requirements.
• Build and sustain strong production teams that consistently deliver KPIs and exceed expectations.
• Manage, develop, and motivate Team Leaders and Deputies, supporting succession planning and growth within the teams.
• Monitor, measure, and report on production performance, including downtime and process efficiency.
• Drive reductions in downtime through cost/time saving initiatives, embedding 5S and SMED principles.
• Introduce and implement new processes and procedures that are effective and sustainable.
• Plan and deploy labour effectively, rotating staff to broaden skills and ensuring holiday/absence cover within agreed budgets.
• Conduct investigations and disciplinary procedures in line with company policy, where required.
• Ensure clear and effective communication across all Production Team members and shifts.
• Uphold all Health & Safety requirements, ensuring a safe working environment and resolving any issues promptly.
• Lead problem-solving and troubleshooting activities, ensuring root causes are identified and resolved effectively.
• Work closely with Team Leaders to ensure handovers between shifts are clear and effective.
• Ensure training needs are identified and met to support current and future operational demands.
• Play an active role in the company’s continuous improvement programme, contributing to long-term growth.
• Maintain high housekeeping and hygiene standards to ensure a safe and clean workplace.
• Ensure efficient use of company resources to deliver optimal operating costs.
• Make sound operational decisions, aligned with the company’s organisational structure.
• Lead by example in timekeeping, attendance, and professionalism.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Proven leadership experience in a fast-paced production environment (preferably food & drink, FMCG, or bottling/canning).
• Strong people-management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• A proactive mindset with excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement tools such as 5S, SMED, Lean, or similar.
• Strong commitment to health & safety and food safety standards.
• Organised, resilient, and able to perform under pressure.