Production Manager

Reporting to the Plant manager, the Production Manager will lead a multi-shift manufacturing operation based in Leigh, Greater Manchester. The purpose is to provide senior shop-floor leadership, controlling daily output, performance, labour planning, safety and operational discipline.

·       Responsible for leading all production activities in Compounding and Granulation within a plastics recycling business, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality output in line with site targets.

·       Taking  full accountability for people, process, and performance within the two separate departments. Granulation is a day shift operation, Compounding 3 rotating 8 hr. shifts.

·       Managing OEE targets and driving recovery plans where needed

·       Leading supervisors and holding the team accountable for safety, output and quality

·       Ensure HSE standards, policy and procedure are understood and followed. Develop and improve safe systems of work, conduct safety checks, identify training needs, promote near miss reporting, address hazards.

·       Controlling labour deployment and overtime spend

·       Reducing scrap, rework and downtime

·       Collaborating with Engineering, Quality and Supply Chain to remove constraints

·       Ensuring granulation schedule reflects the needs of internal and external customers

·       Managing KPIs, dashboards and performance reporting

·       Supporting lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives

·       Ensuring compliance with quality standards, environmental and health & safety regulations

·       Leading, coaching and developing the production team

·       Assisting in the preparation and execution of a site relocation including managing multi-site operations throughout 2028

Skills & Experience Required

Proven experience as a Production Manager/Supervisor in a semi continuous batch production environment with experience managing employees across shifts

·       Current qualifications in safety management – IOSH or equivalent minimum requirement and demonstrable experience in managing safely, understanding risk assessment and near miss reporting

·       Understanding of production processes and safety management (ideally within polymer extrusion and granulation)

·       Solid understanding of OEE, KPIs and performance analysis

·       Confident using ERP and production reporting systems

·       Lean manufacturing knowledge and practical application, identifying improvements, introducing appropriate lean methodologies and supporting all group initiatives.

·       Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills

Job type

·       Permanent / Full-time / Monday to Friday / 07.30 – 16.30

·       25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)

·       Direct influence over operational performance

·       Autonomy to drive improvements and recovery plans

·       Long-term stability within an ambitious recycling group with a worldwide footprint and approved growth plans for UK including a full plant relocation and expansion

Pay

·       Competitive salary range / Dependent on skill and experience