Manufacturing jobs in United Kingdom

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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.