Senior Production Manager- LN Fresh

Christianaid; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food production company in the United Kingdom is looking for an experienced Senior Production Manager to enhance operational excellence in its production facilities. The role involves leading improvement initiatives, managing team performance, and ensuring quality standards are met. Candidates should have a strong leadership background in production, excellent analytical skills, and a commitment to safety and continuous improvement. Competitive benefits include a company bonus scheme, enhanced pension contributions, and private health insurance.

Benefits

Company bonus scheme (up to 7.5%)

Enhanced pension contributions

Private Health Insurance

Life Assurance & critical illness cover

Onsite Parking

Free fruit & potatoes

Electric salary sacrifice car scheme

Flu vaccines

Refer a friend scheme

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Experience interpreting data to drive performance improvements.
• Ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production data to identify trends for improvement.
• Lead improvement initiatives and trials in production.
• Collaborate with Engineering to implement performance improvements.
• Monitor machine performance metrics and reduce downtime.
• Forecast labor requirements based on production plans.

Skills

Proven leadership and people management experience

Strong analytical skills

Proficient in computer systems, including Excel

Excellent communication skills

Strong commitment to safety and GMP

Job description

Branston is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Production Manager to drive operational excellence across our production facilities. This is a senior, hands‑on leadership role with accountability for shift performance, cost efficiency, quality, and team development. You will play a pivotal role in monitoring performance metrics, implementing improvement initiatives, and leading a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and quality.

Shift Pattern Information

X1 B Shift 06:30-Finish (Week 1: Thurs, Fri & Sat; Week 2: Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat)

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse production data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement across all areas of production.
• Lead improvement initiatives and trials to reduce waste, improve quality, and optimise resource utilisation.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Technical teams to implement machine performance and reliability improvements.
• Monitor and reduce non‑run time by analysing machine start times, breaks, and downtime.
• Identify areas to reduce packaging waste and improve crop utilisation.

Reporting & Compliance

• Provide detailed reporting to the Head of Operations on performance metrics, including giveaway, wastage, crop utilisation, downtime, and labour efficiency.
• Support investigations for Health & Safety issues, GMP, SOP compliance, and non-conformance events.
• Ensure all documentation and updates are carried out in collaboration with Section Managers and shift teams.

Labour Management & Planning

• Forecast labour requirements based on production plans, staff availability, and technical updates.
• Verify agency invoices and track labour KPI performance.
• Manage the daily labour tracker and investigate anomalies.
• Ensure shifts are adequately resourced and provide cover for Section Managers when required.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop your production team to meet objectives and align with business goals.
• Conduct 1:1s, PDRs, and performance reviews, providing clear objectives and actionable feedback.
• Oversee new starter training programs, monitor progress, and report on performance.
• Create succession plans and development pathways to support long‑term team growth.

Shift Accountability & Culture

• Take accountability for overall shift performance, ensuring targets for productivity, quality, and safety are consistently met.
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within the team.
• Promote and model Branston values through all behaviors and interactions.

Skills & Experience

• Proven leadership and people management experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience interpreting data to drive performance improvements.
• Proficient in computer systems, including Excel and reporting tools.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Strong commitment to safety, GMP, quality, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Company bonus scheme (up to 7.5%)
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Private Health Insurance
• Life Assurance & critical illness cover
• Onsite Parking
• Free fruit & potatoes
• Electric salary sacrifice car scheme
• Flu vaccines
• Refer a friend scheme

If you are an experienced, results‑driven production leader who thrives on driving operational improvements, developing teams, and embedding a culture of excellence, we want to hear from you.