Production Manager

Production Manager / Manufacturing Manager

Chocolate Production

Salary: £45,000+ per annum

Location: Holton Heath, Dorset

Team: 20–30 employees

Reporting to: Site General Manager

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Production Manager / Manufacturing Manager to join our growing chocolate manufacturing operation at Holton Heath.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for managing the day-to-day production operation and leading a team of approximately 20–30 employees.

Commutable Locations

Holton Heath, Poole, Bournemouth, Wareham, Wimborne, Ferndown, Dorchester, Blandford Forum, Christchurch, Ringwood and the wider Dorset area.

You will ensure that the site consistently delivers high-quality chocolate products safely, efficiently and on time, while developing people and driving continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the day-to-day production operation.

Manage, motivate, coach and develop a team of 20–30 employees.

Achieve production plans, targets, quality standards and deadlines.

Monitor KPIs, productivity and production efficiency.

Identify and implement continuous-improvement opportunities.

Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, quality and health & safety.

Manage staffing, labour and production resources.

Identify and resolve production issues quickly and effectively.

Work closely with Quality, Warehouse, NPD and the Site General Manager.

Ensure company procedures and manufacturing standards are consistently followed.

Build a culture of teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.

Be a visible, hands-on leader who leads from the front.

About You

We are looking for an experienced production or manufacturing leader from food manufacturing, FMCG, manufacturing or a similar fast-paced environment.

You may currently be working as a:

Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager, Production Operations Manager, Manufacturing Operations Manager, Factory Manager, Site Production Manager, Senior Production Manager, Production Lead

You'll be:

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