Production Manager

Sagegreen Consulting; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Unipet International is seeking a Production Manager to lead all manufacturing operations, ensuring safe, efficient execution of production plans and compliance with company standards. The role collaborates with the Supply Chain & Planning Manager to deliver the production schedule and develop a skilled, engaged manufacturing team.

The position requires a visible leader who drives continuous improvement, maintains high quality, safety, and operational performance, and promotes accountability

Qualifications

• Proven manufacturing leadership experience.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and owner of production performance.
• Strong understanding of health and safety requirements.
• Ability to analyze and improve operational performance.

Responsibilities

• Execute the weekly production plan.
• Ensure production targets are achieved safely and efficiently.
• Maximise utilisation of labour, machinery and resources.
• Manage production priorities within the plan.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Organisational ability

Health & Safety knowledge

Operational performance analysis

Communication and leadership

Job description

We are recruiting for a Production Manager on behalf of our client. Unipet are a leading UK manufacturer specialising in wild bird products.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Production Manager is responsible for leading all manufacturing operations within Unipet International, ensuring that production plans are executed safely, efficiently and in full compliance with company standards.

Working closely with the Supply Chain & Planning Manager, the Production Manager will be responsible for delivering the agreed production schedule through effective management of people, plant, processes and systems whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality, health and safety and operational performance.

The role requires a highly visible leader who takes ownership of production performance, drives continuous improvement and develops a highly skilled and engaged manufacturing team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Delivery

• Execute the agreed weekly production plan.
• Ensure production targets are achieved safely and efficiently.
• Maximise utilisation of labour, machinery and manufacturing resources.
• Manage production priorities within the constraints of the agreed plan.
• Ensure OTIF delivery targets are achieved.
• Lead by example at all times.
• Recruit, train, mentor and develop production personnel.
• Maintain and develop departmental skills matrices.
• Conduct performance reviews and capability assessments.
• Build succession plans for key operational roles.
• Promote accountability and continuous improvement throughout the department.

Health & Safety

• Assume responsibility for Health & Safety performance within production.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures and legal requirements.
• Conduct regular safety briefings and toolbox talks.
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain a zero-compromise approach to safety standards.

Quality

• Work closely with the Quality Manager to ensure products meet specification.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs and quality procedures.
• Reduce waste, rework and customer complaints.
• Work collaboratively with the Maintenance Manager to ensure equipment reliability.
• Plan production activities around agreed maintenance schedules.
• Promote operator ownership of machinery and equipment.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Champion operational systems and digital processes.
• Ensure production teams are fully trained in operational systems.
• Act as the operational subject matter expert for manufacturing processes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the business.

Communication

• Lead daily production meetings and team briefings.
• Communicate key business information effectively.
• Escalate risks and operational concerns promptly.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The Production Manager will be measured against:

• Production Plan Adherence
• Quality Performance

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Proven manufacturing leadership experience.
• Excellent organisational ability.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety requirements.
• Ability to analyse and improve operational performance.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Personal Attributes

• Attention to detail.
• Positive and proactive attitude.
• Leads from the front.
• Takes ownership and accountability.

AUTHORITY

• Escalation of capital expenditure requirements.
• Recommendations relating to recruitment, training and disciplinary matters.