Production Manager

I.T.S.; Newbury; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading flavour solutions company in Newbury is seeking an experienced Production Manager. In this role, you will manage production operations while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. You will lead and motivate teams, implement process improvements, and oversee audits. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in production management, knowledge of BRCGS standards, and a NEBOSH qualification. This position offers a full-time, permanent contract with a competitive salary plus benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus

Benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a production or manufacturing management role.
• Strong working knowledge of BRCGS standards.
• Experience working within GMP or food safety environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day production operations to meet manufacturing plans.
• Lead and motivate production teams to promote safety and quality.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives including lean manufacturing.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Organisational skills

Communication

Production planning

Safety legislation knowledge

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

NEBOSH qualification (Certificate or equivalent)

Tools

Production systems

ERP systems

Job description

LOCATION: Newbury for 12-18 months, then relocating to the Membury area.

CONTRACT: Full-time, Permanent

SALARY: Competitive + Bonus + Benefits

POSITION OVERVIEW

At I.T.S., we create flavour solutions that help our customers make food and drink people love. To support our continued growth, we’re looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead manufacturing at our UK BRCGS AA–rated flavour production facility. You’ll report to the Head of Site, Operations & Purchasing, leading our teams, smashing inefficiencies, improving everything in sight, and helping shape the future of how flavour gets made. If you like a challenge, like to have fun, and want to be part of a team that’s a little braver, and likes to do things differently… welcome home.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Manage day-to-day production operations to ensure manufacturing plans are delivered safely, efficiently, and on schedule. Lead, develop, and motivate production teams, promoting a strong culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental, and food safety standards, including risk assessments, safe systems of work, and incident investigations.

Maintain and continuously improve production processes to optimise efficiency, yield, and cost control. Work closely with Quality, R&D, Purchasing, and Supply Chain teams to support new product introductions and ongoing production requirements. Monitor production KPIs, analyse performance data, and implement corrective actions where required. Ensure equipment, facilities, and production areas are maintained to a BRCGS global standard. Manage staffing levels, training requirements, and shift planning to meet operational demands. Support audits and inspections from regulatory bodies, customers, and internal stakeholders. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including lean manufacturing, waste reduction, and process standardisation.

WHAT WE WANT FROM YOU

• Proven experience in a production or manufacturing management role, ideally within flavours, food ingredients, food manufacturing, or a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of BRCGS standards, with experience supporting audits and maintaining compliance within a food or ingredients manufacturing environment.
• Experience working within GMP, food safety, or quality‑controlled environments.
• Strong understanding of production planning, process optimisation, and people management.
• Sound knowledge of health & safety legislation and best practices within a manufacturing environment.
• NEBOSH qualification (Certificate or equivalent) – essential.
• Strong problem‑solving, organisational, and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced operational setting.
• Confident communicator, able to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Experience using production, ERP, or manufacturing systems.

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOU?

• Strong leader with a hands‑on, proactive management style.
• Safety‑focused with a high level of personal accountability.
• Calm, resilient, and adaptable under pressure.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a drive to improve processes performance.
• Organised, detail‑oriented, and committed to high standards of quality and compliance.
• Able to lead by example and contribute positively to a collaborative, respectful, and quality‑driven working environment.

ARE YOU THE RIGHT FIT?

We’re passionate about creating bold, on‑trend, tailor‑made flavours and going the extra mile for our customers, building open, honest partnerships along the way. We push boundaries, value our people, and work with those who want to be a bit braver, because for us, you should never stand still.

CONTACT: Sharon Jones (Head of Customer Services, Finance & HR)

Email: [e-mail].

NOTE: No Recruiters - Thankyou :0)