Production Manager – Chocolate Manufacturing

About the role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Production Manager / Manufacturing Manager to join our growing chocolate manufacturing operation at Holton Heath. This hands‑on leadership role is responsible for managing day‑to‑day production and leading a team of 20–30 employees, ensuring high‑quality chocolate products are delivered safely, efficiently and on time.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day‑to‑day production operation, achieving production plans, targets, quality standards and deadlines.
• Motivate, coach and develop a team of 20–30 staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Monitor KPIs, productivity and production efficiency, identifying and implementing improvement opportunities.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, quality and health & safety, ensuring procedures and manufacturing standards are followed.
• Manage staffing, labour and production resources, and resolve production issues quickly and effectively.
• Collaborate closely with Quality, Warehouse, NPD and the Site General Manager.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a production or manufacturing leader in food manufacturing, FMCG or a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong people‑management skills, comfortable leading teams of 20‑30+ employees.
• Organised, proactive and commercially aware with a passion for quality, safety and continuous improvement.
• Effective communicator who leads by example and can manage production KPIs and solve operational problems.

What we offer

• £45,000+ salary, dependent on experience.
• Employee and store discounts, plus discounted or free food.
• On‑site canteen and free parking.
• Opportunities to develop processes, improve efficiency and grow within an expanding chocolate business.