Production Manager

FMCG Exec; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

FMCG Exec in Dorset is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead warehouse, blending and packaging operations, directing Shift Managers and teams to drive performance, safety and quality across the site.

You will balance operational excellence with people leadership, delivering lean manufacturing improvements and sustaining cost control while supporting long-term strategic growth within a market-leading sustainable food manufacturer.

Qualifications

• Proven Production, Operations or Manufacturing Management experience within FMCG or related process environments.
• Strong experience leading large operational teams through front-line management structures.
• Track record of improving productivity, efficiency, quality and cost performance.
• Strong Lean, CI, Kaizen or Operational Excellence credentials.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Shift Managers and wider operational teams across manufacturing, blending and warehousing.
• Drive Health & Safety, Food Safety, Quality and Environmental performance.
• Drive operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing and waste reduction initiatives.
• Improve OEE, productivity, plan conformance and service levels while maintaining cost control.
• Be a key member of the Site Leadership Team to execute strategic objectives.

Skills

People leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Operational excellence

Continuous Improvement

Tools

SAP

Job description

Lead Operations. Drive Performance. Shape the Future.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Production Manager to join a market-leading sustainable food manufacturer at their Dorset site. Part of a highly successful European food group, this business is recognised for its commitment to quality, innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement.

Reporting directly to the Factory Director, you'll take full responsibility for warehouse, blending and packaging operations, leading a team of operational leaders whilst driving performance, efficiency, safety and engagement across the site.

This is an ideal opportunity for a commercially aware manufacturing leader who enjoys balancing operational excellence with people leadership and long-term strategic thinking.

The Opportunity

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading and developing Shift Managers and wider operational teams across manufacturing, blending and warehousing.
• Delivering world-class standards in Health & Safety, Food Safety, Quality and Environmental performance.
• Driving operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and waste reduction initiatives.
• Improving OEE, productivity, plan conformance and service levels whilst maintaining tight cost control.
• Working as a key member of the Site Leadership Team to develop and execute the site's strategic objectives.
• Supporting future growth through capability development, succession planning and leadership coaching.
• Leading operational projects, change programs and manufacturing excellence initiatives.

About You

We're keen to speak with ambitious manufacturing leaders who can demonstrate:

• Proven Production, Operations or Manufacturing Management experience within FMCG, Food Manufacturing, Beverage, Consumer Goods or related process manufacturing environments. [Draft
• Strong experience leading large operational teams through front-line management structures.
• A track record of delivering measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency, quality and cost performance.
• Strong Lean Manufacturing, CI, Kaizen or Operational Excellence credentials.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills.
• The ability to influence, challenge and drive positive change across a complex manufacturing environment.

Why Apply?

This is far more than a day-to-day production role.

You’ll be joining a values-led business with a strong sustainability agenda, significant growth ambitions and a genuine commitment to developing future leaders. With visibility across the wider European organisation and a clear pathway toward Factory Director-level opportunities, this role offers an excellent platform for a high-potential manufacturing leader looking to take the next step in their career.