Production Manager

Refresco; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Refresco, a leader in beverage solutions, is seeking a dynamic Production Manager to enhance manufacturing operations in Bridgwater. The role involves overseeing production processes, managing teams, and ensuring high standards of quality and compliance, ideal for those with food manufacturing experience and strong leadership skills.

Benefits

12.5% Annual Bonus

7% Employer Pension Contribution

Personal Healthcare Cover with Bupa

Life Assurance

Access to Employee Benefits Platform

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing sector with a focus on quality standards.
• Leadership experience in managing large teams and production processes.
• Proven track record in production planning and cost management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of production ensuring quality and compliance.
• Manage teams and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate across departments to meet business objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Production Planning

Continuous Improvement

Problem Solving

Budget Management

Communication

Education

Degree in Food Science or Engineering

Job description

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We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Production Manager to lead our beverages manufacturing operations and drive the production process to new heights of efficiency and excellence. In this pivotal role, you will oversee all aspects of production, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance are consistently met. You'll manage and motivate a skilled team, optimize production schedules, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce costs. With a strong focus on operational performance and cost management, you’ll collaborate across departments to meet key business objectives and deliver high-quality products on time. If you have a proven track record in food manufacturing, excellent leadership abilities, and a passion for driving operational success, we want to hear from you!

Production Manager – Bridgwater, Somerset

Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 5pm, Fridays 8:30am – 4pm

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive pay
• 12.5% Annual bonus
• 7% Employer pension contribution
• Personal healthcare cover with Bupa
• Life assurance
• Access to employee benefits platform – Cheers which includes flexible benefits such as; additional healthcare cover, healthcare cash plan, dental insurance, car scheme, activities pass, financial services, will writing services etc.

Reporting to the Factory Manager, you will have a key role working with the

factory management team, with the specific remit around operational KPI’s

customer service, Health and Safety and Quality standards. Managing a team of

Shift Managers you will ensure we deliver operational excellence across your

factory production halls. The delivery will come through the application of continuous improvement techniques, employee engagement and living the company values ensuring you’re an exemplary leader at all times.

About the role of Production Manager at Refresco Beverages:

• The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production, fostering strong partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• You will support the Factory Manager in setting and aligning site and departmental goals with the broader business strategy.
• Full accountability for managing the production budget, including labor and materials, will be yours, while ensuring optimal Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) through regular reviews and collaboration with sales, forecasting, and planning teams.
• You will report on KPIs (SQDCP), interpreting data, and developing action plans to drive performance. Ensuring the site’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are up-to-date, fit for purpose, and well-trained will be key, alongside maintaining audit readiness and compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS).
• You will manage staffing levels to ensure they meet demand and cost targets, while inspiring and motivating your team to meet their objectives. Leading continuous improvement initiatives to enhance OEE and yield, promoting health and safety practices, and fostering collaboration across departments are essential.
• You will manage and contribute to various site projects, define competency levels, and develop training programs to strengthen the team. Conducting annual appraisals, regular one-on-ones, and supporting Factory engagement programs will be part of your leadership duties, along with covering for the Factory Manager and ensuring continuity in key roles during shifts.

About you:

As an experienced Production Manager ideally in the food manufacturing industry you will be expected to have a strong background in overseeing and optimizing production processes within a fast-paced, quality-driven environment.

Key experience required includes:

• Ideally Food Manufacturing Expertise: A proven track record in the food production sector, with in-depth knowledge of industry-specific regulations (e.g., HACCP, GMP, food safety standards) and a strong understanding of food production processes.
• Leadership and Team Management: Significant experience in managing and motivating large teams, including supervisory roles, with a focus on performance management, training, and development. Ability to inspire and lead teams to meet production targets and ensure high levels of employee engagement.
• Production Planning and Control: Expertise in production planning, scheduling, and inventory management, with a solid understanding of supply chain and logistics. Ability to optimize production efficiency, reduce waste, and manage costs effectively.
• Continuous Improvement: Experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives, such as Lean or Six Sigma methodologies, to enhance operational efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Budget and Financial Management: Strong financial acumen, with the ability to manage production budgets, monitor costs, and work to cost reduction targets while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Health, Safety, and Compliance: A deep understanding of health and safety regulations in a manufacturing setting, and experience ensuring compliance with legal and company standards, as well as leading safety initiatives across the production floor.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making: Proven ability to solve complex production issues quickly and effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to the production schedule.
• Communication and Stakeholder Management: Strong communication skills to work with cross-functional teams (sales, planning, quality assurance, etc.), and external suppliers or partners, ensuring smooth operations and alignment with business goals.
• Technology and Automation: Familiarity with modern production technologies, including automated systems, PLCs, and manufacturing software, to optimize processes and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Qualifications: A relevant degree in food science, engineering, or a related field is often preferred, along with professional certifications in food safety or production management.

About Refresco:

Refresco is the global independent beverage solutions provider for Global, National and Emerging brands, and retailers with production in Europe, North America, and Australia. Refresco offers an extensive range of product and packaging combinations from juices to carbonated soft drinks and mineral waters in carton, PET, Aseptic PET, cans, and glass. Refresco continuously searches for new and alternative ways to improve the quality of its products and packaging combinations in line with consumer and customer demand, environmental responsibilities, and market demand.

Our drinks on every table. That's the Refresco vision. We’re a global business and currently produce 12 billion litres of soft drinks from 64 manufacturing plants in 12 countries and we’re only just getting started.

We’re the proud owners of six drinks manufacturing sites within the UK. Our UK business provides a great place to work for over 1,800 employees, who produce private label soft drinks and fruit juices for all the leading retailers.

Whether it’s packed in cartons, bottles or cans, we ensure that our products are made to the highest quality standards. Our products get where they need to be when they need to get there to meet the needs of our high-profile customers.

Refresco believes that equal opportunity for all is fundamental to our company's values and all our applicants can expect fairness and transparency in our recruitment process.