The Chilled Production Manager will lead and manage all aspects of chilled food production, ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.

The role is responsible for delivering operational KPIs across safety, quality, service, cost, labour utilisation and waste reduction while driving a culture of continuous improvement. Working closely with Technical, Engineering, Planning, Logistics and Supply Chain teams, the Chilled Production Manager will ensure customer requirements are met in full and on time.

The successful candidate will be an experienced food manufacturing professional with a proven track record of leading high-performing teams within a fast-paced chilled food production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead all day-to-day chilled production activities.
• Deliver production plans safely, efficiently and within agreed labour budgets.
• Ensure customer orders are produced to specification and delivered OTIF (On Time In Full).
• Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor production performance against agreed KPIs and implement corrective actions where required.
• Ensure efficient use of labour, materials, equipment and factory resources.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Promote a positive health and safety culture throughout the site.
• Ensure compliance with all company health and safety procedures and legal requirements.
• Lead accident investigations and implement preventative actions.
• Conduct regular safety audits and behavioural safety observations.
• Ensure safe systems of work are followed at all times.

Food Safety & Quality

• Ensure compliance with BRC, HACCP, GMP and customer standards.
• Work closely with Technical and Quality teams to maintain audit readiness.
• Ensure all production records are completed accurately and on time.
• Drive right-first-time performance and reduce customer complaints.
• Champion food safety culture throughout the operation.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach and develop Production Team Leaders and wider operational teams.
• Conduct performance reviews and regular one-to-one meetings.
• Develop succession plans and identify talent within the department.
• Build employee engagement and foster a culture of accountability and teamwork.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training activities.

Continuous Improvement

• Use KPI data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and waste reduction initiatives.
• Drive improvements in labour productivity, yield, giveaway and operational efficiency.
• Promote best practice across all areas of production.
• Support implementation of new processes, products and equipment.

Cost Management

• Manage departmental budgets and labour spending.
• Reduce waste and improve raw material utilisation.
• Monitor yield performance and investigate variances.
• Support site profitability through efficient operations and resource planning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with:
• Technical & Quality
• Engineering
• Planning
• Supply Chain
• NPD
• HR
• Logistics
• Attend operational review meetings and contribute to site improvement plans.
• Provide accurate and timely production reporting to senior management.

Key Performance Indicators

The Chilled Production Manager will be accountable for delivering:

• Health & Safety performance
• Food Safety and Quality compliance
• OTIF service levels
• Labour efficiency
• Productivity
• Yield performance
• Waste reduction
• Customer complaint reduction
• Employee engagement
• Absenteeism management
• Continuous improvement delivery

Requirements

• Proven Production Manager experience within a chilled food manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing large production teams in a fast-paced factory setting.
• Strong knowledge of:
• HACCP
• GMP
• BRC Standards
• Food Safety Regulations
• Health & Safety legislation

• Experience delivering operational KPIs and continuous improvement projects.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.

Desirable

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience.
• Experience within fresh produce or chilled ready-to-eat food manufacturing.
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
• Food Safety Level 3 or above.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Food Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management or related discipline.

Benefits

• Pension Plans
• Life Assurance
• Annual Leave Package
• Employee Assistance Programme - Counselling
• Free Parking
• Employee Incentives