Production Manager

The Advocate Group; Stapleford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing food manufacturer in Stapleford is looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead production and ensure food safety compliance. This hands-on role offers a clear path to Head of Operations. Ideal candidates will have strong food manufacturing experience and proven leadership skills. Collaborate with visionary founders in a supportive culture.

Benefits

Pivotal role in shaping a fast-growing site

Direct collaboration with supportive founders

Clear progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in chilled or ready-to-eat food manufacturing is a strong advantage.
• Be proactive and ready to engage hands-on when needed.
• Demonstrate ownership and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee daily/weekly production to meet targets.
• Lead food safety controls and maintain documentation.
• Coach and coordinate production operatives effectively.

Skills

Experience in food or beverage manufacturing

Proven people leadership

Hands-on and proactive approach

Ownership mindset

Continuous improvement approach

Education

HACCP and Food Safety qualification Level 3 or above

Tools

HACCP systems

SALSA or BRC experience

Job description

Production Manager (Future Head of Operations)

Growth-Stage, Food Manufacturer

Nottingham | Site-based

The Advocate is proud to be supporting a fast-growing, independent food manufacturer entering an exciting scale-up phase. This is a hands‑on opportunity for an ambitious Production Manager to help shape the future of a family-owned food business that's expanding rapidly across both branded and white‑label lines.

You'll work directly with the founders to build scalable systems, develop a high-performing team, and lead the factory through significant growth. For the right person, there's a clear path to Head of Operations within a supportive, entrepreneurial environment.

What you’ll lead

• Daily production and output: ensuring safe, efficient, on‑time, cost‑effective delivery.
• Food safety and compliance: managing HACCP systems and ensuring audit readiness (SALSA high‑care site).
• People leadership: developing a small but growing team into a capable, high‑performing production unit.
• Scaling and improvement: increasing throughput, reducing waste, and implementing robust, scalable processes.
• New product onboarding: supporting trials, creating SOPs, and making processes factory‑ready.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and oversee daily/weekly production to meet OTIF and efficiency targets.
• Lead HACCP/CCP controls and maintain all food safety documentation.
• Ensure gluten‑free and allergen‑safe standards are upheld.
• Coach, support, and coordinate production operatives and shift leads.
• Drive improvements across yield, waste, downtime, and right‑first‑time metrics.
• Report performance and improvement actions to the founders.

What you’ll bring

• Experience in food or beverage manufacturing (chilled or RTE a strong advantage).
• Proven people leadership – confident setting standards on the factory floor.
• SALSA or BRC experience is essential.
• HACCP and Food Safety qualified to Level 3 or above (or willing to upskill fast).
• Hands‑on, practical and proactive – ready to roll up sleeves when needed.
• Ownership mindset with drive, curiosity and a continuous improvement approach.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm for being part of a business that's scaling.

What’s on offer

• A pivotal role in shaping and scaling a fast‑growing food production site.
• Direct collaboration with supportive, visionary founders.
• Clear progression to Head of Operations as the team expands.
• Down‑to‑earth, collaborative culture with a genuine family feel.

Get in touch with Erin at the Advocate Group or Apply Now to be considered for this position.

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The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner, based in the UK, to the FMCG and consumer product sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

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