Area Production Manager

Location: Leicester
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday

About the Business

An established food manufacturing business supplying premium products to major UK retailers and business-to-business customers.

The Leicester site employs approximately 1,200-1,500 people across four factories, producing cooked meats, pâté, sausages, burgers, ready meals and chilled snacking products.

Significant investment has been made in modernising the site, including a £20 million snacking factory opened in 2024 and a dedicated NPD and Innovation Centre. The business continues to invest in its facilities, equipment and people.

The Role

We are seeking an Area Production Manager to lead operations within the butchery and low-risk preparation area, producing chilled, short-shelf-life products.

You will be responsible for leading a team of 30-60 employees, including Supervisors and Team Leaders, ensuring production plans are delivered safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards.

The role requires a hands-on leader who can improve operational performance while developing an engaged, accountable and high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop production teams, including Supervisors and Team Leaders.

• Deliver production plans, output targets and operational KPIs.

• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity, reduce waste and improve processes.

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

• Coach employees, develop future leaders and support succession planning.

• Work closely with Planning, Engineering and Hygiene teams to resolve operational issues and maintain production continuity.

• Plan for seasonal demand increases, particularly during Christmas and the summer barbecue period.

• Challenge established working practices constructively and encourage teams to embrace change.

About You

• Experience leading teams within food manufacturing or FMCG.

• Strong people management, communication and coaching skills.

• A track record of delivering production targets and improving performance.

• Knowledge of food safety, quality, hygiene and health and safety standards.

• Experience with continuous improvement and operational problem-solving.

• The ability to engage teams, influence others and drive change collaboratively.

• A proactive approach to identifying issues and implementing practical solutions.

Benefits

• Monday-to-Friday working pattern.

• Company pension.

• Annual profit-share bonus.

• Annual salary reviews.

• Career development and progression opportunities.

INDCOM