Production Manager

Valeo Foods UK; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matched pension up to 10%

Death in service

Cycle to work

Staff discount

Job summary

Valeo Foods UK in Blackpool is seeking a passionate Production Manager to lead our production crew on day shifts. You’ll guard production, drive KPI performance, ensure health and safety, and develop the team while maintaining brand integrity and regulatory compliance.

You will oversee shift management, production planning, quality control, cost management, and cross-functional collaboration with maintenance, supply chain, CI, and other departments to keep operations efficient and compliant.

Qualifications

• Previous FMCG experience is essential.
• Good knowledge of GMP and health & safety regulations.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Shift Management: oversee production operations and ensure continuous, high-quality manufacturing.
• Team Leadership: mentor and manage a team of area managers across departments.
• Production Planning: develop schedules based on demand and inventory.
• Quality Control: ensure adherence to quality standards and specifications.
• Safety & Compliance: enforce safety regulations and industry standards.
• Cost Management: monitor production costs and identify improvements.
• Process Optimization: improve processes to boost efficiency and reduce waste.
• Reporting: provide data-driven insights to senior management.
• Staff Development: identify training needs and foster development.
• Collaboration: work with maintenance, supply chain, and CI for smooth operations.

Skills

Leadership

FMCG experience

IOSH qualification

GMP knowledge

Health & safety

Communication

Tools

IT / Office software

Job description

Company Description

At Valeo Foods UK we bring together a family of much-loved UK food brands supported by the scale and ambition of a global investment partner. From Kettle’s bold crunch to Rowse’s natural sweetness, through to Matthew Walker and Barratt Sweets, our portfolio blends heritage, craft and category-leading innovation.

Company Description

At Valeo Foods UK we bring together a family of much-loved UK food brands supported by the scale and ambition of a global investment partner. From Kettle’s bold crunch to Rowse’s natural sweetness, through to Matthew Walker and Barratt Sweets, our portfolio blends heritage, craft and category-leading innovation.

Alongside our branded portfolio, we are also one of the UK’s largest suppliers of private label products, partnering with major retailers to deliver quality and category expertise that meets the needs of millions of households every week.

As a business, we’re on a journey of transformation. We’re strengthening our operations, driving quality and investing in our people. It’s an exciting, fast-moving environment where heritage meets new thinking, and where every colleague contributes to shaping the future of food across the UK.

Join us and play your part in building the next chapter of some of Britain’s most loved brands.

Job Description

Production Manager

Day shifts - Monday to Friday (6am to 2pm and 2pm to 10pm alternating)

Blackpool

We're on the lookout for a passionate and driven Production Manager to join our production crew in Blackpool and help us sprinkle some sparkle onto our operations.

As the Production Manager you'll be the guardian of our production, ensuring that all resources are utilised effectively to exceed our KPIs. From maintaining top-notch health and safety standards to fostering team development, you'll play a pivotal role in keeping our operations running smoothly.

From managing team leaders to optimising production runs, your days will be filled with a variety of tasks to keep the operation humming. Plus, you'll ensure brand integrity and compliance with industry standards every step of the way.

Key Responsibilities

• Shift Management: Oversee the overall production operations of the factory, ensuring continuous and efficient manufacturing processes while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of area managers across different departments to meet production goals. Foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Production Planning: Develop and execute production schedules based on demand and inventory needs. Ensure production targets and deadlines are met consistently.
• Quality Control: Monitor and enforce strict adherence to quality standards in the production process. Work closely with the Technical team to ensure finished products meet specifications.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all safety regulations and company policies are followed, promoting a safe working environment for all staff. Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations.
• Cost Management: Monitor and manage production costs, identifying areas for improvement and cost-saving opportunities without compromising on quality.
• Process Optimization: Continuously assess and improve production processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and streamline operations.
• Reporting & Analysis: Provide regular reports on production performance, including output, downtime, and any issues impacting operations. Present data-driven insights to senior management.
• Staff Development: Identify training needs and foster ongoing development opportunities for the production team, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other departments (e.g., maintenance, supply chain, CI) to ensure smooth integration between production and other departments.

Qualifications

Knowledge / Skills / Experience

• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a diverse team.
• Previous FMCG Experience is essential
• IOSH qualified
• Strong knowledge of GMP, health & safety, and food safety regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead teams effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to drive results against set targets.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to foster a collaborative work environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building strong relationships with staff at all levels.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with the ability to handle complex operational challenges.
• IT and PC knowledge – able to use widespread functions within relevant software.
• Ability to be able to work alone, or as part of a team with the ability to work quickly and under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills
• Good understanding of Health and Safety legislation
• An aptitude to develop new skills.

Behaviours and Qualities

• Problem Solver
• Collaborative
• Diligent
• Flexible
• Focused
• Energetic
• Detailed
• Proactive
• Decisive
• Coach/Mentor production team members

Additional Information

• Day shifts - Monday to Friday (6am to 2pm and 2pm to 10pm alternating)
• Matched pension scheme up to 10%
• Death in service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Retailer discount platform
• Staff discount
• And plenty more!