Senior Production Manager (Nights)

KPI Recruiting Ltd; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

KPI Recruiting Ltd is seeking an experienced Senior Production Manager Nights for a leading FMCG manufacturer based in Stoke-on-Trent. The role covers night shift leadership across two high-volume facilities, driving production targets, quality and safety.

You will manage Shift Managers, Team Leaders and Supervisors, coach teams, uphold GMP/HACCP, and lead Lean improvement projects to enhance efficiency and customer service in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in FMCG or food manufacturing.
• Experience managing KPIs, productivity and production performance.
• Knowledge of food safety, GMP and HACCP.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to lead nights shift and multi-site operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the night shift to deliver the daily production plan.
• Ensure orders are completed accurately and on time.
• Manage labour to maximise productivity and efficiency.
• Monitor KPIs, identify opportunities for improvement.
• Minimise waste across materials and packaging.
• Lead daily operational meetings and share performance.
• Develop production teams and site leaders.
• Ensure food safety, GMP and HACCP compliance.
• Drive Lean initiatives and continuous improvement.
• Investigate incidents and implement preventive actions.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Food safety

HACCP knowledge

GMP knowledge

Kaizen

Lean manufacturing

Production planning

Communication

IT systems

Education

Level 3 Food Safety

Level 3 Health & Safety (IOSH)

HACCP knowledge

Food Safety Level 4 (desirable)

Business Management or Food-related Degree (desirable)

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

A critical senior appointment for a leading FMCG manufacturer based in Stoke-on-Trent

Location: Stoke-On-Trent

Salary: Up to £56,000 per annum

Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9:30pm - 6:30am

We are seeking an experienced

Senior Production Manager (Nights) to take overall responsibility for the night shift operation across

two high-volume manufacturing facilities. This is a pivotal leadership role, accountable for driving operational performance, productivity, quality, safety, people development, and continuous improvement within a fast-paced FMCG environment.

Managing large production teams through a structure of Shift Managers, Team Leaders and Supervisors, the successful candidate will ensure production targets are consistently achieved while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence and customer service.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations

• Lead the night shift operation to deliver the daily production plan
• Ensure customer orders are completed accurately and on time
• Manage labour resources to maximise productivity and efficiency
• Monitor production performance, yields and KPIs, identifying opportunities for improvement
• Minimise waste across raw materials, packaging and consumables
• Lead daily operational meetings and communicate production performance across departments

Team Management

• Lead, motivate and develop production teams and Senior Line Leaders
• Conduct inductions, training, appraisals and ongoing performance reviews
• Manage attendance, absence, return-to-work interviews and holiday planning
• Handle employee relations matters, including disciplinary and performance management processes
• Promote a positive culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement

Quality & Food Safety

• Ensure full compliance with food safety, GMP and HACCP standards.
• Carry out internal audits and implement corrective actions where required.
• Maintain high standards of product quality and customer compliance.
• Ensure stock is stored, rotated and identified correctly.

Health & Safety

• Promote a strong health and safety culture throughout the site
• Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety legislation, COSHH and company procedures
• Investigate incidents and near misses, implementing preventative actions where required
• Ensure all risk assessments and safe working practices are followed
• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including Kaizen and continuous improvement projects
• Identify root causes of operational issues and implement long-term solutions
• Analyse production data to improve efficiency, productivity and overall site performance
• Support business improvement projects and mentor colleagues across the operation
• Previous management experience within FMCG or food manufacturing
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Experience managing KPIs, productivity and production performance
• Knowledge of food safety, GMP and HACCP
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Good IT skills with experience using production or ERP systems
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Flexible and proactive approach

Qualifications

• Level 3 Food Safety (essential)
• Level 3 Health & Safety (IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent)
• HACCP knowledge
• Food Safety Level 4 (desirable)
• Business Management or Food-related Degree (desirable)
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Supportive leadership team and modern manufacturing environment