Production Manager

H.B. Fuller UK Limited; Preston; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer of bonding agents seeks a Production Manager in Preston to oversee manufacturing operations, ensure compliance with safety standards, and manage production efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Chemical Engineering and over 5 years of manufacturing experience, including team management. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing.
• 5+ years of experience managing teams in production.
• Experience in adhesives, paints, inks, or chemical production is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to EHS standards and Health & Safety regulations.
• Lead and develop production team members to meet quality goals.
• Monitor and report plant-level KPIs to leadership.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Fluent in English

Practical knowledge of KPI deployment

High proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems (e.g., SAP or PRISM)

Job description

Position Title

Production Manager

Location

Preston, UK - Onsite

Position Overview

The Production Manager at our Preston site supports the Plant Manager and is responsible for overseeing safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing of bonding agents. This role leads daily operations across five plant areas and ensures compliance with UK legislation and H.B. Fuller EHS standards. The ideal candidate will also contribute to cross-functional plant projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to H.B. Fuller's EHS standards and UK Health & Safety regulations
• Foster and promote a strong safety culture within manufacturing and warehouse operations
• Supervise production across five areas with annual output of 2,800-3,200 tonnes
• Plan and allocate manpower, including external temporary labor
• Monitor and report plant-level KPIs to operational leadership
• Ensure high availability and efficiency of production equipment in collaboration with maintenance
• Lead and develop production team members to meet quality and service goals
• Support internal projects related to equipment, quality, logistics, and safety
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives
• Participate in customer audits as needed

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in Chemical Engineering (or equivalent) or similar technical qualification (e.g., HNC)
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing
• 5+ years of experience managing teams in a production environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to operate across all organizational levels
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written
• Practical knowledge of KPI deployment and operational performance metrics
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office tools

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in adhesives, paints, inks, or chemical production
• Exposure to international manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with Lean, 5S, and Six Sigma methodologies (certification a plus)
• Strong leadership track record and performance management experience
• Proficient in ERP systems (e.g., SAP or PRISM)