Production Manager

Location: Warrenpoint, Newry, Northern Ireland
Reports To: Manufacturing Manager
Department: Operations
Salary: £50,000 £ 60,000

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Production Manager to join a leading food manufacturing operation. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring that the Production Department delivers all products on time, in full, and to specification
, while maintaining the highest standards in Health & Safety (H&S), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), food safety, and quality
.

The successful candidate will lead and optimise the Production function, drive performance, and collaborate closely with Technical, NPD, Logistics, Procurement
, and Sales Order teams to ensure efficient operations and exceptional customer service.

Oversee all aspects of Production, ensuring chilled and frozen products are completed On Time In Full (OTIF) and to the agreed specifications.

Manage picking and dispatch performance for traded goods.

Ensure product quality, cost control, and compliance standards are consistently met.

Lead and develop Production personnel, ensuring staffing levels, onboarding, and training requirements are met.

Foster a positive culture focused on performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Monitor ingredient and packaging usage in line with agreed specifications and cost standards.

Oversee stock control, yield performance, and waste reduction strategies.

Ensure labour costs and line efficiencies align with financial targets.

Ensure adherence to H&S, Food Safety, BRCGS requirements, and company policies.

Maintain a high standard of GMP across all shifts and production areas.

Support the NPD team with factory trials and new product introductions.

Work with Engineering and Maintenance to ensure equipment reliability, preventive maintenance, and contingency planning.

Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives, process standardisation, and ongoing operational improvements.

Contribute to sustainability initiatives and support site-wide operational excellence projects.

Demonstrable experience in a senior production or manufacturing management role within the food industry
.

Proven track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams and achieving production KPIs.

Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes, automation, compliance, and quality standards.

Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills.

Proficiency in performance monitoring, KPI management, and production reporting.

Ability to work under pressure with a hands-on, solution-focused approach.

Experience with continuous improvement methodologies and Lean Manufacturing.

Strong people management and team development experience.

Labour cost per unit for fresh and frozen products

Units Per Hour (UPH) for fresh and frozen lines

On-Time In-Full (OTIF) delivery performance