Factory Production Manager

Factory Production Manager

Location: Kilkeel, Co. Down, Northern Ireland

Salary: £50,000-£60,000 per year, depending on experience

Hours: Full-time | Day shifts only - no night shifts

Work Location: In person

Lead Production. Drive Performance. Make Your Mark.

Are you an experienced Production Manager who thrives on improving efficiency, developing people and delivering outstanding results?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing seafood processing business in Kilkeel, where you'll have genuine ownership of the production operation and the opportunity to make a visible impact on the future of the business.

As Factory Production Manager, you'll take the lead in the day-to-day running of the production plant, managing teams, optimising processes and ensuring production targets are consistently achieved - safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.

This is a hands‑on leadership position for someone who enjoys being close to the operation, solving problems, making decisions and turning ideas into measurable improvements.

If you're ready to take ownership and help build a high‑performing production environment, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

The Role

You’ll take overall responsibility for the daily production operation, coordinating workflows across a range of cooked and raw seafood products.

Working closely with colleagues across the business, you’ll ensure production plans are delivered effectively while continually identifying opportunities to:

• Increase productivity and output
• Reduce waste and operational costs
• Improve quality and consistency
• Streamline production processes
• Develop team capability and performance
• Strengthen production planning and workflow

You’ll be joining a growing operation at an exciting stage of its development, giving you the opportunity to influence change, introduce new ideas and shape the way production operates.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all aspects of factory production to achieve planned output, quality and efficiency targets.
• Take full ownership of the day‑to‑day running of the production plant.
• Develop and manage production plans, ensuring targets are achieved on time and to specification.
• Coordinate workflows across multiple seafood products.
• Monitor daily performance, identify issues and implement practical solutions.
• Lead, motivate and develop production teams, creating a positive and accountable working environment.
• Plan staffing requirements to meet production demands.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.
• Monitor production KPIs and use data to identify trends, solve problems and improve performance.
• Oversee quality control processes and ensure issues are addressed promptly.
• Ensure production activities comply with food safety, HACCP and company standards.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to improve workflows and resolve operational challenges.
• Manage inventory levels and support the smooth movement of raw materials through to finished products.Maintain accurate production records, metrics and documentation.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and take decisive action to keep production moving.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organised and productive factory environment.
• Mentor and develop production staff, improving capability, motivation and performance.
• Forward‑plan production requirements and anticipate potential challenges.
• Contribute to the continued growth and development of the business.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a proactive, commercially aware and hands‑on Production Manager who enjoys leading people, improving processes and making things happen.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• Proven experience managing production within food manufacturing, food processing or a similar fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• A strong understanding of production systems, KPIs and performance management.
• Proven experience leading, motivating and developing production teams.
• Excellent organisation, planning and time‑management skills.
• Experience with quality control and continuous improvement.
• A good understanding of HACCP and food safety requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a practical approach to finding solutions.
• The ability to interpret production data and make informed operational decisions.
• A strong understanding of production planning, workflow and resource management.
• A hands‑on management style, with the confidence to take ownership and lead from the front.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively across different areas of the business.
• A genuine drive to improve efficiency, quality and overall performance.

Desirable, but not essential

• Mechanical knowledge or experience.
• Experience using production management or ERP systems.

Why Join?

This is more than managing a production line.

You’ll have the opportunity to play a key role in shaping a growing operation and directly influence its future success.

You’ll have the freedom and responsibility to:

• Make a measurable impact on production performance.
• Introduce new ideas and improve existing processes.
• Build, develop and inspire a strong production team.
• Improve efficiency, productivity and quality.
• Help drive the continued growth of the business.
• Develop your own career as the operation expands.

What’s on offer?

• £50,000-£60,000 salary, depending on experience and management capability.
• Day shifts only - no night shifts.
• Employee discount.
• Free parking.
• On‑site parking.
• Casual dress.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Full job description from WhatJobs. Apply for this role →