Production Manager

DS Smith; Fordham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme & Life insurance

Share Save scheme

Income Protection

25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work

Virtual GP, Occupational Health & free

Job summary

DS Smith is seeking a Production Manager for Fordham to lead the site’s Production operation, including Conversion and Corrugator, across multiple processes and shifts. You will drive safety, quality, delivery and cost improvements while developing capable teams and embedding standard operating practices.

You will use data and KPIs to optimise asset utilisation, improve changeovers, reduce waste and collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Planning and Supply Chain to deliver customer value.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading teams in a corrugated or high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of conversion processes including printing, die-cutting and folding.
• Data-driven leadership with demonstrated use of KPIs to drive improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop multi-shift conversion teams driving safety, quality, delivery, cost and engagement.
• Ensure orders are delivered on time, in full and to specification balancing capacity, quality and cost.
• Collaborate with Engineering to ensure equipment is calibrated, maintained and operating to standard with preventive maintenance.
• Optimise conversion processes including printing, die-cutting and folding with control of ink usage, tooling, feed rates and changeovers.
• Analyse KPIs and performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with Planning, Supply Chain and Cluster teams to optimise machine utilisation and production scheduling.
• Prepare and organise inks, stereos and tooling to support efficient production.
• Develop team capability through coaching, training and performance reviews.
• Work with Quality Manager to ensure adherence to quality standards and reduce customer complaints.

Skills

Team leadership

Data-driven

Communication skills

Problem solving

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Job description

Production Manager - Fordham

As Production Manager, you will be responsible for leading the site’s Production operation including Conversion and Corrugator, managing multiple processes that directly influence customer quality, service and cost. Reporting to the General Manager, you will lead multi‑shift teams across a range of activities in a dynamic and customer‑focused manufacturing environment. You will have full accountability for operational performance, ensuring production plans are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. The role demands strong organisational skills, the ability to balance competing priorities, and a hands‑on leadership style that drives ownership and accountability at all levels. Working in close collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Operational Excellence and Cluster teams, you will focus on maximising asset utilisation, improving changeovers, reducing waste and driving continuous improvement. You will be expected to develop capable, engaged teams, embed standard operating practices and use data and KPIs to drive sustained performance improvement. This role is ideal for a resilient and commercially minded production leader who enjoys managing complexity, improving processes and delivering results through strong leadership and cross‑functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop multi‑shift conversion teams, driving continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery, cost and engagement
• Ensure customer orders are delivered on time, in full and to specification, balancing capacity, quality and cost
• Work closely with the Engineering Manager to ensure equipment is fully calibrated, well maintained and operating to standard, including effective preventive maintenance planning
• Optimise conversion processes including printing, die‑cutting and folding through effective control of ink usage, tooling condition, feed rates and changeovers
• Analyse KPIs and performance data, including waste, downtime and quality metrics, to identify trends and improvement opportunities
• Collaborate with Planning, Supply Chain and Cluster teams to optimise machine utilisation and production scheduling
• Ensure effective preparation and organisation of inks, stereos and tooling to support efficient production
• Develop team capability through coaching, training, performance reviews and structured development plans
• Work closely with the Quality Manager to ensure adherence to quality standards and to reduce customer complaints

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience leading teams in a corrugated or high‑volume manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of conversion processes including printing, die‑cutting and folding
• A confident, data‑driven people leader with experience managing multi‑shift operations
• Excellent communication skills
• Proficient at using Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook
• Ability to prioritise and problem‑solve

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary
• Qualifying Sick Pay scheme
• Pension scheme & Life insurance
• Share Save scheme
• Income Protection
• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP, Occupational Health & free Flu vaccine
• Cycle to Work and shopping discounts

We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.