Production Lead

Manucomm Recruitment; Cullompton; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Manucomm Recruitment is seeking a Production Lead for a hands-on, day-based role near Cullompton, Devon. The successful candidate will manage the day-to-day production operation, lead a small team, ensure safety and quality, and drive continuous improvement in a growing food manufacturing business.

You will bring proven food manufacturing experience, strong people-management skills, and a practical leadership style to front-line operations with scope for progression.

Qualifications

• Previous experience within food manufacturing – essential.
• Experience managing and developing people within a production environment.
• Strong communication and people-management skills.
• Hands-on approach with front-line leadership.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day production operation and production team.
• Lead, motivate and develop a small team, ensuring high performance and engagement.
• Plan and organise production to meet customer requirements and deadlines.
• Ensure food safety, quality, hygiene and health & safety standards.
• Monitor production performance, waste, efficiency and output; identify improvements.
• Collaborate with the General Manager and other areas of the business for smooth operations.
• Be hands-on on the factory floor, supporting the team and resolving issues.
• Drive continuous improvement across production processes and practices.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Communication

Job description

Production Lead

Location: Near Cullompton, Devon
Hours: Day-based role
Reporting to: General Manager

Up to £43,000 + Bonus

We are looking for an experienced Production Manager to join a small, growing food manufacturing business based near Cullompton.

This is a hands‑on, operational role where you will play a key part in managing the day-to-day production operation, leading the team and ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards.

The role would suit an experienced Production Manager from a food manufacturing background, or an ambitious Production Supervisor/Team Leader ready to take the next step in their career.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day production operation and production team.
• Lead, motivate and develop a small team, ensuring high standards of performance and engagement.
• Plan and organise production to meet customer requirements and deadlines.
• Ensure food safety, quality, hygiene and health & safety standards are consistently maintained.
• Monitor production performance, waste, efficiency and output, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Work closely with the General Manager and other areas of the business to ensure smooth operations.
• Be hands‑on and visible on the factory floor, supporting the team and resolving issues as they arise.
• Help drive continuous improvement across production processes and working practices.

About you

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience within food manufacturing – essential.
• Experience managing and developing people within a production environment.
• Strong communication and people-management skills.
• A practical, hands‑on approach and the ability to lead from the front.
• Good organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• A strong understanding of food safety, quality and production standards.
• The ambition and capability to progress your career within a growing business.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a smaller, hands‑on manufacturing environment and wants the opportunity to make a real impact.For the right person, there is also scope for career progression as the business continues to grow.

If you are an experienced food manufacturing professional looking for your next challenge, we would be keen to hear from you.