Production Manager – Food Packaging

Production Manager – Food Packaging Kent/South East London An established and growing sustainable food packaging manufacturer is seeking an experienced Production Manager to take ownership of day-to-day operations within their busy, high-volume manufacturing facility in Kent. This is a key leadership role, offering the opportunity to make a genuine impact on efficiency, quality, team performance, and continuous improvement within a well-invested and forward-thinking business. The Opportunity You’ll be responsible for planning, coordinating, and controlling production activity to ensure customer orders are delivered on time, to specification, and in line with strict food safety and quality standards. Working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence across the site. Key Responsibilities Plan and manage production schedules, typically working two weeks ahead Monitor daily output, adjusting plans to meet demand and minimise disruption Lead, motivate and develop production teams across multiple shifts and functions Drive continuous improvement initiatives including Lean manufacturing and 5S Oversee labour planning, timesheets, and performance management Work closely with Sales, Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse and Procurement teams Ensure full compliance with food safety, quality and H&S standards Analyse production data and KPIs to improve efficiency and reduce wasteWhat We’re Looking For Proven experience in a Production / Manufacturing Management role within a packaging environment Background in food packaging or food manufacturing strongly preferred Strong understanding of HACCP, BRC, ISO, GMP and food-grade compliance Confident people manager with experience leading sizeable shop-floor teams Organised, analytical and solutions-focused Comfortable operating in a fast-paced manufacturing environmentSalary & Benefits £45,000 per annum (dependent on experience) 25 days holiday plus bank holidays Monday to Friday working pattern Day shift hours (approx. 08:30 – 17:00) On-site parking Stable, well established business with long-term career potentialWhy Apply? This role would suit a hands-on Production Manager who enjoys improving processes, developing people, and working within a quality-driven manufacturing environment. You’ll be joining a business that values structure, standards, and continuous improvement — with the autonomy to really make the role your own