Manufacturing Manager

Zest; Colne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in England seeks an inspiring Production or Operations leader to take ownership of a fast-paced production environment. You'll lead and develop a team, drive improvements, and shape a strong operational culture. The ideal candidate will have experience in FMCG, a warm leadership style, and great communication skills. This role offers the autonomy to lead and a chance to grow your career in a progressive environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a leadership position in manufacturing.
• Strong ability to coach and empower team members.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Shift Managers and specialists.
• Drive efficiency, flow, quality, and waste reduction.
• Manage budgets and review KPIs for performance.

Skills

Experience in FMCG or fast-paced manufacturing

Warm leadership style

Problem-solver's mindset

Self-starting attitude

Passion for improvement

Great communication skills

Education

Leadership qualification (ILM Level 5)

Job description

Are you an inspiring Production or Operations leader ready to take ownership of a fast-paced manufacturing operation? Do you thrive in a hands-on environment where your ideas, leadership and drive genuinely shape the performance of a site?

If you're looking for a role that gives you the autonomy to lead, the support to grow and the opportunity to make a lasting mark, this could be your next step.

What You'll Be Doing

You'll lead a talented team of Shift Managers and technical specialists, but you'll also be the one who brings people and processes together. Your mission? Keep everything moving smoothly, safely and at a high standard.

• Growing and empowering your team – coaching, encouraging and developing individuals so they feel confident and capable in their roles.
• Leading with curiosity – spotting opportunities to improve efficiency, flow, quality and waste reduction, and helping your team turn ideas into action.
• Creating strong connections – partnering closely with Planning, Quality, Maintenance and Engineering to keep production steady and communication clear.
• Being proactive on maintenance – working with Engineering to plan preventive work and protect valuable uptime.
• Building better processes – auditing what we do today, shaping what we should do tomorrow, and bringing your team with you through training and new ways of working.
• Championing Health & Safety – leading by example, keeping standards high and ensuring everyone feels looked after.
• Taking ownership of performance – managing budgets, reviewing KPIs and driving improvements with confidence and clarity.

What You Bring

We're looking for a natural collaborator – someone who builds trust easily, communicates well and enjoys being part of a team that wins together. This role will suit someone who likes to be out on the floor, doesn’t shy away from a challenge, and genuinely cares about people.

• Experience in FMCG or fast-paced manufacturing – ideally a couple years in a leadership position.
• A warm leadership style – you’re approachable, supportive and positive, with a knack for bringing out the best in others.
• A problem-solver's mindset – analytical, curious and ready to explore new ways of working.
• A self-starting attitude – you plan ahead, stay organised and take pride in doing things well.
• A passion for improvement – whether it’s processes, systems or people.
• Great communication skills – the kind that make people feel heard and motivated.
• A leadership qualification (such as ILM Level 5) is a welcome bonus but not essential.

Why This Role Matters

This isn't just a leadership role – it's a chance to build something.

• To shape a culture.
• To make a team stronger.
• And to grow your own career in a business that values fresh thinking and encourages progression.

If you’re a Production Manager, Operations Manager or Manufacturing Manager ready to take the next step, it’d be great to talk!

For more information, please contact Shaf Islam on (url removed)