Head of Production - Food Packaging

JR United Kingdom; Croydon; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading packaging manufacturer in Croydon is seeking a Head of Production to lead their operations. This strategic role involves overseeing production, engineering, and quality, while driving continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in manufacturing leadership within the packaging sector and a strong grasp of modern production principles.

Benefits

Company car

Annual performance bonus

Paid overtime

Generous holiday allowance

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior manufacturing leadership role within packaging.
• Strong understanding of packaging production processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and hands-on leadership across production and engineering.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical

Stakeholder Management

Tools

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

ERP/MRP Systems

Job description

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Head of Production - Food Packaging, Croydon

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Client:

Taylor Higson | Print, Packaging, POS, Signage & Mailing Solutions Recruitment Specialists

Location:

Croydon, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

5

Posted:

12.05.2025

Expiry Date:

26.06.2025

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Job Description:

Head of Packaging Production

South London (Some occasional travel to another London based site)

Are you an accomplished production leader in the packaging sector, ready to step into a strategic, high-impact role?

This is your opportunity to join a well-established, privately owned packaging manufacturer known for innovation, agility, and a firm commitment to sustainable growth. Operating across two UK sites and supplying bespoke food packaging solutions to some of the UK’s most recognisable brands, the business has built a strong reputation for quality, service, and reliability.

With a culture grounded in operational excellence and continuous improvement, this organisation is now seeking a Head of Packaging Production to lead its manufacturing operations across both sites. This is a pivotal senior leadership role where you'll have full operational responsibility and be instrumental in shaping the future of the production strategy.

The Role

• Provide strategic and hands-on leadership across production, engineering, quality, and site-level HR.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma and other best practice methodologies.
• Oversee KPIs related to OEE, waste reduction, throughput, delivery performance and quality.
• Ensure compliance with H&S and industry regulations across both manufacturing sites.
• Develop and maintain strong interdepartmental relationships with planning, logistics and sales to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Coach, mentor and develop a multi-functional team to foster a culture of performance and accountability.

The Person

• Proven experience in a senior manufacturing leadership role within the packaging industry.
• A strong understanding of packaging production processes and modern manufacturing principles.
• Demonstrable success in delivering against complex KPIs and leading change initiatives.
• Solid working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (ideally with a Black Belt), and ERP/MRP systems.
• Exceptional leadership, stakeholder management, and analytical capabilities.

What's on Offer

• A generous salary up to a maximum of £65,000, depending on experience
• Company car and annual performance bonus
• Paid overtime and early finish on Fridays
• Generous holiday allowance and ongoing professional development support
• A genuinely exciting opportunity to take the reins of production within a values-driven, growth-focused business

If you're a senior production professional operating within packaging, please get in touch for further details