Production Manager

Akzo Nobel N.V.; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading coatings company in Gateshead is seeking a Production Manager to lead and improve production operations. The successful candidate will manage daily activities to meet quality targets while ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Key responsibilities include developing team members, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborating across functions. Candidates should have proven manufacturing leadership experience and a strong understanding of safety regulations. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days holiday excluding bank holidays

Income protection

Staff discount

Employee Assistance Programme

Employee Life Assurance

Company pension

Product discounts

Flexible benefits scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in manufacturing leadership and people management.
• Strong knowledge of HSE regulations and safety standards.
• Ability to deliver results in a fast-paced, complex production environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to self-manage, prioritize, and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily production operations to meet demand and quality targets.
• Accurately manage, track, and report all departmental productivity KPIs.
• Establish performance standards for production.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives like Lean and Six Sigma.
• Oversee introduction of new products and manage change processes.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

People management

HSE regulations knowledge

Stakeholder management

Results delivery

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Engineering

Job description

Production Manager

Location: Gateshead, GB

AkzoNobel, Felling, Gateshead

We encourage you to apply if you have relevant experience and expertise for this role, even if you don’t meet all the criteria listed in the job description. We’ve been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there’s a good chance you’re only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world‑class portfolio of brands – including Dul, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from the most sustainable paints company, which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.

Job Purpose

Join our Manufacturing team in Felling as a Production Manager, where you’ll lead and continuously improve production operations at the site. You’ll ensure all processes are safe, efficient, cost‑effective, and compliant with AkzoNobel’s HSE, quality, and operational excellence standards. This role is pivotal in delivering daily output targets, managing a large production workforce, and driving a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily production operations to meet demand and quality targets.
• Accurately manage, track, and report all departmental productivity KPIs on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
• Establish performance standards for production and lead process confirmation and embed continuous improvement culture.
• Develop individual team members and build a team capable of achieving the task; establish and enforce minimum personal performance level within Production.
• Manage individual and team performance in line with AkzoNobel processes, stimulate talent management and identify and develop talents with growth potential.
• Ensure strict adherence to Health, Safety, Environment & Security (HSE&S) standards, acting as Site Incident Controller and Duty Manager as required.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, OEE) to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Lead and develop a team of 6–10 direct reports and over 50 indirect reports, fostering high performance and engagement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Planning, Engineering, Quality, and SHE teams to ensure smooth operations.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory obligations (including COMAH) and AkzoNobel standards.
• Oversee introduction of new products and manage change processes safely and effectively.
• Monitor and report on KPIs, embedding a culture of operational excellence.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Proven experience in manufacturing leadership and people management.
• Strong knowledge of HSE regulations and safety standards.
• Ability to deliver results in a fast‑paced, complex production environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to self‑manage, prioritize, and meet deadlines.

Desirable:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Engineering.
• Lean/Six Sigma or Business Improvement training.
• Experience with large‑scale production operations and continuous improvement methodologies.

What Makes You Stand Out

• A proactive mindset with a passion for safety and operational excellence.
• Strong leadership and talent development skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across functions.
• Commitment to sustainability and innovation.

What We Offer at AkzoNobel

We offer great personal development opportunities and roles with breadth, depth of scope and impact. We also offer comprehensive packages including:

• Competitive salary (depending on experience)
• 25 days holiday excluding bank holidays
• Income protection
• Staff discount at Dulux Decorator Centre stores
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Life Assurance
• Company pension
• Product discounts
• Flexible benefits scheme offering Gymflex, retail card, dental cover and more

We’ve been inventing the future for more than two centuries and need people like you to be part of the team. Apply online via the link and we will get right back to you.