Production Manager

Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing recruiter is seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee operations at a pilot facility in Kent. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years in production management within regulated settings and will lead a team to improve processes and ensure compliance with industry standards. This role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for growth and professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunities for growth

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in production management or senior supervisory roles.
• Background in a regulated manufacturing setting (e.g. food, consumer goods, chemicals, or related sectors).
• Proven leadership and team development experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities, ensuring output and quality.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and quality standards.
• Lead and mentor a small team of operators and technicians.

Skills

Production management

Quality and compliance processes

Team leadership

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

Production Manager – Manufacturing & Operations

Kent | Onsite | Competitive salary + benefits

We’re working with a fast-growing manufacturer that’s looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead day-to-day operations at its pilot facility and play a key role in scaling up to full-scale production. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in regulated manufacturing and a passion for driving quality, safety, and efficiency. If you enjoy working in dynamic environments where you can make a real impact, this could be the opportunity for you.

The Role

As Production Manager, you’ll take ownership of operations at a pilot-scale site while also contributing to the strategic development of a high-volume manufacturing facility. This includes leading teams, improving processes, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. You’ll collaborate closely with senior stakeholders and technical teams to deliver operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities, ensuring consistent output and product quality
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure material traceability
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and quality standards (e.g. GMP, ISO)
• Recommend and implement process and equipment improvements
• Develop SOPs and training materials for future scale-up
• Support product trials and process changes
• Lead and mentor a small team of operators and technicians
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Contribute to recruitment and workforce planning as operations expand

About You

We’re looking for someone with:

• 5+ years of experience in production management or senior supervisory roles
• Background in a regulated manufacturing setting (e.g. food, consumer goods, chemicals, or related sectors)
• Strong working knowledge of quality and compliance processes
• Proven leadership, team development, and communication skills
• Experience scaling up production or implementing new systems and processes

Desirable

• Familiarity with packaging or filling machinery
• Understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks (GMP, ISO, etc.)
• Lean or Six Sigma certification

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• Strong focus on health, safety, and compliance
• Hands-on involvement in scale-up and process improvement
• Opportunities for growth and professional development
• Supportive team culture with senior leadership visibility

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re ready to lead a growing manufacturing operation and want to help shape the future of a high-performing production team, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion.