Production Manager

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

Job summary

Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd. in partnership with a well‑established food manufacturing business invites a Production Manager to lead a busy operation at Holton Heath, Dorset. You will drive production planning, lead and develop teams, ensure safety and quality, and deliver KPIs and customer deadlines while improving processes.

The role offers £40,000–£55,000 with benefits and salary flexibility for the right person in a growth‑minded, dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Experience improving processes, systems, and operational efficiency.
• Proactive hands-on approach and ability to drive change.

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.
• Collaborate with Purchasing and Warehouse teams to optimise operations.

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:

• 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.