Production Manager
About Gills
A well\-established UK food manufacturer producing fresh and frozen sausage products for retail, foodservice, and wholesale markets. Operating within a fast\-paced manufacturing environment, the business supplies a broad customer base and manages complex production, technical, and logistics requirements across multiple departments.
We are seeking a highly capable Technical Production Manager to take ownership of factory operations, technical compliance, production efficiency, and site performance.
The Role
This is a senior operational role with responsibility across production, technical management, staffing, stock control, despatch, machinery performance, and process improvement.
The successful candidate will be expected to operate at both a strategic and hands\-on level, ensuring production targets, technical standards, and operational efficiencies are consistently achieved.
This role requires a technically strong, highly organised, and commercially aware individual capable of managing a fast\-paced manufacturing operation and leading teams effectively.
Production \& Factory Management
- Managing day\-to\-day factory operations across production, despatch, maintenance, and stock control
- Leading and managing a workforce of 30\+ staff across multiple departments
- Monitoring production schedules and ensuring customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time
- Driving operational efficiencies, reducing waste, and improving factory systems and processes
- Managing labour performance, productivity, and operational standards across the site
- Supporting and overseeing maintenance activity and machinery performance
- Acting as the site Technical Manager, ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards
- Managing HACCP systems, internal audits, traceability, and technical documentation
- Maintaining high standards of hygiene, food safety, and operational compliance throughout the factory
- Supporting customer technical requirements, audits, specifications, and issue resolution where required
- Liaising with suppliers regarding raw materials, technical matters, and operational performance
- Strong operational understanding of manufacturing equipment including systems such as Handtmann, Kilia, Midas Motion, and similar food production machinery
- Monitoring machinery performance, downtime, and production efficiency
- Supporting implementation of improved production systems, reporting structures, and operational controls
- Managing stock systems, stock takes, and production reporting accurately
- Minimum 2 years’ experience within a factory or manufacturing management environment (food manufacturing preferred but not essential)
- Strong technical understanding of food production, factory operations, and compliance systems
- Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline preferred
- HACCP qualification and food safety training essential
- Strong IT literacy with confidence using production systems, Excel, reporting tools, and operational software
- Experience managing production staff and driving operational performance
- Strong organisational and problem\-solving ability within a fast\-paced environment
- Commercial awareness with the ability to balance operational efficiency, quality, and customer expectations
- Confident communicator capable of dealing with customers, suppliers, and senior management professionally
- Opportunity to play a key leadership role within a growing manufacturing business
- Direct involvement in operational strategy, process improvement, and factory development
- Exposure to senior leadership and commercial decision\-making
- Ongoing development and training support within technical and operational management
- Long\-term progression opportunities within a growing business
- Full UK driving licence and own vehicle preferred
- Immediate right to work in the UK is essential
Candidates will be required to complete a behavioural and operational assessment as part of the interview process, followed by an on\-site interview and factory walkthrough.
Job Types:
Full\-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Health \& wellbeing programme
- On\-site parking
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
Driving Licence (preferred)
HACCP Certification (preferred)
Work authorisation:
United Kingdom (required)
Work Location:
In person
Pay: £55,000\.00\-£65,000\.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On\-site parking
- A\-Level or equivalent (required)
- Food industry: 2 years (required)
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