First Line Manager (Food)

Chesterfield Poultry; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift allowance: £100/week

Professional development opportunities

Career progression

Job summary

Chesterfield Poultry in Doncaster, UK, seeks a Production Manager (Food) to lead manufacturing operations on the Thorne site. You will supervise floor activities, drive targets for OEE, yield and efficiency, and coordinate dispatch.

The role demands strong food safety knowledge and people leadership to support a busy production line. Responsibilities include coordinating raw materials, reducing waste, maintaining HACCP/GMP compliance, and reporting KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science
• Experience in food manufacturing and dispatch operations (3-5 years).
• Understanding of GMP/HACCP and ISO/FSSC standards
• Familiarity with OEE, yield and KPI reporting

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Coordinate raw material availability and packaging usage.
• Report shortages and collaborate with customers to manage dispatch.

Skills

Food safety regulations

Leadership

Problem solving

Production planning

Lean manufacturing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Food Technology

Industrial Engineering

Manufacturing/Production Engineering

3-5 years experience in food manufacturing

Job description

Production Manager (Food)

Location: Coulman Road, Thorne, Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Salary: Up to £50K dependent on experience

Vacancy Type: Permanent

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

• 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 and Dispatch Operations.


• 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.


• Ensure outload of materials are conducted in a timely manner to achieve on time in full KPIs.

Equipment & Maintenance

• Ensure machinery is operating properly.


• Coordinate preventive maintenance.


• Report breakdowns and reduce production delays.


• Report shortages predicted to enable this to be managed with customers.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain production reports.


• Track KPIs (OEE, yield, downtime, OTIS, waste).


• Prepare daily/weekly performance summaries.


• Manage 121s for direct line reports.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of food safety regulations.


• Leadership & people management.


• Problem-solving under pressure.


• Understanding of production & dispatch 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.

Shift Details

Monday to Friday

Occasional weekend work during peak seasons

40 hours per week with one hour for lunch unpaid

Rotating Shifts

• Week 1: 08.30 - 17.30


• Week 2: 11.00 - 20.00


• Week 3: 15.00 - Finish (1am usually)Week 3


• When working 15.00 onwards shift allowance of £100 will be provided per week.


• CMI / ILM Level 3 / 5 qualification post 6 months service with huge development opportunities.