Production Manager

The Oval Partnership; Broadwindsor; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oval Partnership is seeking a Site Production Manager for a European Food Group at a factory on the Somerset-Dorset border. You will lead a high-speed, 24/7 operation, directing a shop-floor team to meet daily targets while embedding Lean tools to cut waste and improve yields.

Reporting to the Site Director, you will drive safety, quality, and allergen controls, develop frontline leaders, and champion continuous improvement across the site’s operations.

Qualifications

• FMCG experience in production/operations leadership in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to manage and develop frontline leaders.
• Analytical skills using manufacturing metrics and ERP data to improve throughput.
• Experience driving change with SMED, RCA and DMAIC techniques.
• Calm, collaborative leadership focused on continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead 24/7 production across multiple shifts to meet targets.
• Oversee shop-floor teams and drive world-class manufacturing standards.
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture on the manufacturing floor.
• Oversee end-to-end production lines, optimise OEE and maintain quality/allergen controls.
• Embed Lean principles (5S, Kaizen) to reduce waste and improve yields.

Skills

FMCG Leadership

People Management

Data Analytics

Lean Methods

Collaborative Leadership

Tools

SMED

RCA

DMAIC

Job description

The Oval Partnership are currently recruiting a Site Production Manager for a European Food Group based at their factory on the Somerset-Dorset border.

Overseeing a high-speed 24/7 manufacturing operation, you will lead a shop-floor team, drive daily production targets, and spearhead site-wide continuous improvement initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Site Leadership: Reporting to the Site Director and part of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Operational Execution: Direct 24/7 production across multiple shifts, driving world-class manufacturing standards to consistently achieve volume, efficiency, and safety targets.
• Team Development: Lead and mentor to foster a high-performance, collaborative shop-floor culture across the workforce.
• Process Optimisation: Oversee end-to-end production lines, optimising Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) while maintaining rigorous quality and allergen control standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Embed Lean manufacturing principles (e.g. 5S, Kaizen) to reduce waste, improve yields, and drive sustainable operational practices.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• FMCG Experience: Proven track record in production or operations leadership within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• People Management: Demonstrated success managing teams and developing front-line leaders.
• Data-Driven Approach: Analytical skills using manufacturing metrics and ERP data to eliminate bottlenecks and optimise throughput.
• Technical Toolbox: Experience of driving change using tools and techniques such as SMED, RCA and DMAIC
• Leadership Style: Calm under pressure, highly collaborative, and driven by continuous improvement.

Unfortunately, Visa sponsorship is unavailable for this opportunity, successful applicants must hold full and indefinite rights to live and work in the UK