Production Manager

Refresco Drinks UK Limited; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading beverage solutions provider is seeking an experienced Production Manager in Bridgwater, Somerset. In this vital role, you will oversee beverage manufacturing, focusing on efficiency and quality. You will lead a skilled team, manage production budgets, and implement continuous improvement initiatives. A strong background in food manufacturing is essential, alongside leadership experience and budget management skills. You will work to ensure compliance with safety standards, drive operational performance, and ensure timely product delivery to key clients.

Benefits

Competitive pay

12.5% annual bonus

7% employer pension contribution

Personal healthcare cover

Life assurance

27 days holiday + bank holidays

Purchase extra holiday scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing, ideally managing production processes.
• Strong background in optimizing production in a quality-driven environment.
• Ability to implement Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production operations and ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Manage production budget, labor, and materials effectively.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity.

Skills

Food manufacturing expertise

Leadership and team management

Production planning and control

Continuous improvement

Budget and financial management

Health, safety, and compliance

Problem solving and decision making

Communication and stakeholder management

Technology and automation

Education

Relevant degree in food science, engineering, or related field

Job description

Job description

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 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 will collaborate across departments to meet key business objectives and deliver high-quality products on time.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive pay
• 12.5% annual bonus
• 7% employer pension contribution
• Personal healthcare cover with Bupa
• Life assurance
• 27 days holiday + bank holidays
• Purchase extra holiday scheme
• Access to employee benefits platform and flexible benefits such as additional healthcare cover, healthcare cash plan, dental insurance, car scheme, activities pass financial services, and will writing services.

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 meet demand and cost targets, inspiring and motivating your team to meet 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 have a strong background in overseeing and optimizing production processes within a fast‑paced, quality‑driven environment.

Key experience required

• Food manufacturing expertise: Proven track record in the food sector with knowledge of industry‑specific regulations (HACCP, GMP, food safety standards) and food production processes.
• Leadership and team management: Significant experience managing and motivating large teams, with a focus on performance management, training, and development.
• Production planning and control: Expertise in scheduling and inventory management, optimizing production efficiency, reducing waste, and managing costs.
• Continuous improvement: Experience implementing Lean or Six Sigma methodologies to enhance operational efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Budget and financial management: Strong financial acumen, ability to manage production budgets, monitor costs, and work toward cost reduction targets while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Health, safety, and compliance: Deep understanding of health and safety regulations in a manufacturing setting and experience ensuring compliance with legal and company standards.
• Problem solving and decision making: Proven ability to solve complex production issues quickly and effectively, minimizing disruption.
• Communication and stakeholder management: Strong communication skills to work with cross‑functional teams (sales, planning, quality assurance, etc.) and external suppliers or partners.
• Technology and automation: Familiarity with modern production technologies, including automated systems, PLCs, and manufacturing software to improve OEE.

Qualifications

A relevant degree in food science, engineering, or a related field is preferred, along with professional certifications in food safety or production management.

About Refresco

Refresco is the global independent beverage solutions provider with production across Europe, North America, and Australia. We offer 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 seeks new and alternative ways to improve product quality and packaging in line with consumer demand, environmental responsibilities, and market dynamics. Headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Refresco employs over 13,500 people worldwide. Our UK business provides a great place to work for over 1,800 employees producing private label soft drinks and fruit juices for leading retailers. Refresco believes that equal opportunity for all is fundamental to our values, and all applicants can expect fairness and transparency in our recruitment process.

Location and Contact

Production Manager - Bridgwater, Somerset. Reporting to the Factory Manager. For applications please contact via the company website.