Production Manager
Location: Clay Cross
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Reports to: Operations Manager
Department: Clay Cross Production
Direct Reports: Production Supervisors, Team Leaders & Operators
Ready to keep things moving?
Behind every great drinks brand is a great operation, and that means having the right people, processes and products in the right place at the right time.
We’re looking for an experienced Production Manager to take the lead at our Clay Cross site. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll be responsible for keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly, delivering against targets and making sure our teams have everything they need to succeed.
You’ll lead, motivate and develop our production teams, while driving efficiency, improving processes and keeping a close eye on quality, costs and health & safety.
It’s a busy environment, so you’ll need to be someone who enjoys a challenge, stays calm when things don’t quite go to plan and is always looking for a better way of doing things.
What you’ll be getting stuck into
You’ll take ownership of the day-to-day production operation, including:
- Managing daily production activities to deliver output, quality and efficiency targets.
- Leading, motivating and developing Production Supervisors, Team Leaders and Operators.
- Managing production schedules and ensuring customer delivery deadlines are met.
- Monitoring KPIs and using data to identify opportunities to improve performance.
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity and reduce waste.
- Managing operational issues quickly and effectively to minimise downtime and keep things moving.
- Ensuring compliance with all health, safety and environmental requirements.
- Monitoring and controlling production costs and budgets.
- Working closely with Quality, Planning and Supply Chain teams to deliver the right results.
- Analysing production data and providing clear performance updates to senior management.
- Managing training, performance reviews and succession planning across the team.
- Creating a positive, accountable culture where people know what’s expected and are supported to deliver.
The person behind the operation
We’re looking for an experienced operational leader who can balance people, performance and process.
You’ll bring:
- Proven experience in a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager or similar operational leadership role.
- Strong leadership and people-management skills, with experience leading teams through supervisors and team leaders.
- A good understanding of production processes, planning and operational performance.
- Experience managing KPIs and delivering continuous improvement.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills—you’ll be comfortable making things happen when plans change.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Confidence working with production data, Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.
- A proactive approach and the ability to spot opportunities to improve how we work.
- A genuine commitment to health, safety and creating a positive working environment.
What great looks like
- Production targets are hit, customer deadlines are met and the operation keeps moving.
- Your team knows what good looks like and has the support and leadership to deliver it.
- KPIs are understood, monitored and used to drive better performance.
- Waste, downtime and inefficiencies are reduced.
- Health and safety standards are high and embedded in the day-to-day operation.
- Problems are dealt with quickly rather than becoming tomorrow’s problems.
- You’ve developed a strong pipeline of talent and helped people across the team grow.
- You’re constantly looking for smarter, safer and more efficient ways of doing things.
- And, importantly, the team is working hard, supporting each other and enjoying the ride.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary DOE
- 25 days holiday, increasing with length of service
- Company pension
- Employee Assistance Programme with Westfield Health
- Staff discount across our hotels and range of drinks products
- Free on-site parking
- Other benefits including long-service awards, additional holiday days, death in service and access to our money management support service
- Opportunities for career progression within the business
Why join us?
Because we’re not just moving products around—we’re helping get great drinks into the hands of the people who enjoy them.
You’ll be joining a growing, ambitious business where you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact on how our operation performs. You’ll have the autonomy to lead your team, improve processes and help shape the future of the site.
We work hard, support each other and celebrate our wins. And when you work in the drinks industry, there’s usually a reason to raise a glass at the end of a good day.
Bring your leadership, your energy and your appetite for getting things done. We’ll provide the brands, the challenge and plenty of opportunities to make your mark.