Production Manager

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Wareham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed Specialist Recruitment has partnered with a well-established food manufacturing business to appoint a Production Manager in Dorset. You will lead daily production operations, ensuring safety, quality and efficiency while developing your team.

Based in Holton Heath, Dorset, the role offers a salary of £40,000-£55,000 plus benefits and a clear path to drive growth and continuous improvement in a busy manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing production in food manufacturing.
• Strong leadership, planning and communication skills.
• Hands-on, proactive approach with change-management ability.
• Ability to influence change and drive performance.
• Experience managing KPIs and production targets.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily and weekly production planning and scheduling
• Lead, coach, and develop production teams
• Ensure production targets, KPIs, and customer deadlines are achieved
• Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, and operational performance
• Maintain product quality and consistency standards
• Oversee manufacturing processes from production through to packing
• Monitor ingredient and packaging stock levels
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety requirements

Job description

Production Manager

Holton Heath, Dorset

£40,000 - £55,000 + Benefits (Salary Flexible for the Right Person)

Are you a hands-on Production Manager who thrives on bringing structure, driving efficiency, and leading teams through periods of growth and change?

We're recruiting for a well-established food manufacturing business that has experienced significant growth through new contract wins and recent business changes. As a result, they're looking for a strong Production Manager to take ownership of the production operation, improve processes, develop the team, and help build a more efficient and scalable manufacturing environment.

The Role

Reporting into senior leadership, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the production facility, ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

This is a highly visible role where you'll work closely with Operations, Technical/Quality, Purchasing, and Warehouse teams to improve performance while maintaining excellent product standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily and weekly production planning and scheduling
• Lead, coach, and develop production teams
• Ensure production targets, KPIs, and customer deadlines are achieved
• Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, and operational performance
• Maintain product quality and consistency standards
• Oversee manufacturing processes from production through to packing
• Monitor ingredient and packaging stock levels
• Work closely with Purchasing and Warehouse teams
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety requirements

About You

We're looking for a strong character who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves and taking ownership. This business is growing quickly, winning new contracts, and presents a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys driving positive change and creating structure within a busy manufacturing environment.

You'll likely have experience as a:

• Production Manager
• Senior Production Manager
• Head of Production
• Manufacturing Manager
• Operations Manager within food manufacturing

Ideally, you'll bring experience from:

• Confectionery manufacturing
• Chocolate production
• Sweet bakery manufacturing
• Similar food production environments

You'll also have:

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Experience improving processes, systems, and operational efficiency
• A proactive, hands‑on approach
• The ability to influence change and drive performance
• Strong planning, organisational, and communication skills
• Experience managing KPIs, production targets, and production performance

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to genuinely shape and improve a growing manufacturing operation
• Join a business experiencing strong growth and securing new customer contracts
• Highly visible role with genuine influence across the operation
• Autonomy to implement change and drive continuous improvement
• Salary in the region of £40,000 - £55,000, with flexibility for an exceptional candidate
• Chance to combine a rewarding career move with living and working in one of the UK's most desirable coastal locations

Location

The role is based in Holton Heath, Dorset, and would suit candidates within a commutable distance or those considering relocation to the area.

If you're an experienced Production Manager who thrives on improving operations, developing teams, and making a real impact, we'd love to hear from you