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.