Production Manager - Nights

The Compleat Food Group; Crewe; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Night shift pattern (Sun–Thu)

Career development opportunities

Supportive leadership team

Opportunity to make an impact

Job summary

The Compleat Food Group is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead our night shift operation at the Crewe manufacturing site. You will drive performance, safety, quality and efficiency while managing large teams and delivering the production plan.

This role requires a proven manufacturing leader with strong KPI experience, GPM/H&S knowledge, and a track record of improving production metrics. The position offers a Sunday to Thursday night shift and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large teams within food manufacturing, FMCG or ready meals.
• Proven track record of delivering operational improvements and driving performance through KPIs.
• Strong understanding of OEE, labour management, waste reduction and production efficiency.
• Experience working within BRC, food safety and quality-driven environments.
• Excellent people management and leadership skills.
• Ability to challenge, influence and drive accountability at all levels.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Knowledge of manufacturing systems and ERP.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate large manufacturing teams to deliver the production plan safely, on time and in full.
• Drive operational performance through KPIs including OEE, labour efficiency, waste, quality and yield.
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement through 5S, SIC, GMP and Operational Excellence programmes.
• Ensure robust shift handovers and clear communication across the operation.
• Maintain food safety, quality and audit standards; keep the site audit-ready.
• Manage absence, performance, development and engagement across teams.
• Drive a Right First Time culture with focus on quality and standards.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Technical and Operations to resolve issues and improve performance.
• Deliver strong GMP, Health & Safety and compliance across the factory.

Skills

People leadership

OEE KPI leadership

Food manufacturing

ERP systems

GMP

Health & Safety

Continuous improvement

Problem solving

Communication

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Crewe (Savoury & Ready Meals) Sunday to Thursday | 10:00pm - 6:00am £50,000 - £55,000 + Benefits

Lead the Night Shift. Drive Performance. Deliver Excellence.

The Compleat Food Group is home to some of the UK's best-loved food brands, and we're looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead our night shift operation at our Crewe manufacturing site.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a proven manufacturing leader to take ownership of a high-volume food production operation, leading teams, driving performance, and ensuring we consistently deliver the highest standards of safety, quality, service and efficiency.

Working closely with the Factory Manager, you'll be responsible for leading the night shift operation, developing your teams and driving a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and operational excellence.

What You'll Be Doing

As Production Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth and efficient manufacturing operations throughout the night shift.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and motivating large manufacturing teams to deliver the production plan safely, on time and in full.
• Driving operational performance through key metrics including OEE, labour efficiency, waste, quality and yield.
• Embedding a culture of continuous improvement through initiatives such as 5S, Short Interval Control (SIC), GMP and Operational Excellence programmes.
• Ensuring robust shift handovers and clear communication across the operation.
• Maintaining exceptional food safety, quality and audit standards, ensuring the site remains audit-ready at all times.
• Managing absence, performance, development and employee engagement across your teams.
• Driving a "Right First Time" culture with a relentless focus on quality and operational standards.
• Working closely with Engineering, Technical and Operational colleagues to resolve issues and improve manufacturing performance.
• Delivering strong standards of GMP, Health & Safety and compliance across the factory.

What We're Looking For

We're keen to hear from ambitious manufacturing leaders who thrive in fast-paced food production environments.

You'll ideally have:

• Experience leading large teams within food manufacturing, FMCG, bakery, ready meals or chilled food production.
• A proven track record of delivering operational improvements and driving performance through KPIs.
• Strong understanding of OEE, labour management, waste reduction and production efficiency.
• Experience working within BRC, food safety and quality-driven environments.
• Excellent people management, coaching and leadership skills.
• The confidence to challenge, influence and drive accountability at all levels.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Knowledge of ERP or manufacturing systems.
• Good understanding of Health & Safety legislation and risk management.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to lead from the front.

Why Join The Compleat Food Group?

At The Compleat Food Group, we're passionate about creating food to feel good. We invest in our people and provide genuine opportunities for career progression within a growing and ambitious business.

In return, you'll receive:

• Competitive benefits package
• Sunday to Thursday night shift pattern
• Career development opportunities within a growing food manufacturing group
• A supportive leadership team and collaborative culture
• The opportunity to make a real impact in a key operational leadership role

If you're a hands-on Production Manager who enjoys leading people, improving performance and delivering operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing, and career growth:

• Salary Sacrifice Schemes - including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
• 33 days' annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
• Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store
• Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
• EV charging points - available at selected sites
• 24/7 access to GroceryAid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
• Physical Wellbeing Hub - free on-demand exercise programmes, online classes and multiple gym discounts
• Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of meal plans and healthy recipes
• Online wellbeing support - from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
• Financial wellbeing tools - including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid
• Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)
• Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role
• Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations
• Industry leading company Mentoring Scheme to add depth and really support your career journey
• Recognition through Club Compleat rewards portal

Community & Culture

• 2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you
• Charity initiatives and fundraising events
• Team socials to connect and celebrate together
• Employee networks & support groups - including Women @ Compleat
• New baby gift for new parents

What You Should Know About How We Recruit

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe great teams are built on difference. We create an inclusive, respectful environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and are able to be themselves at work. We're proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect. If you need a reasonable adjustment at any stage of our recruitment process, just let us know, we'll support you - confidentially and with care. We hire the best people for our roles, not the same people. Whoever you are, wherever you're from, we focus on what you do and the impact you could make in our business. Our recruitment process is fair, accessible, and designed to give everyone an equal chance. You'll also find benefits that support people at every life stage, plus active internal networks - including Women @ Compleat, LGBTQIA+, and Neurodiversity

Recruitment Agencies:

We have a small, active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions. We only accept CV submissions for roles released to you directly by our Talent Acquisition team.