Assistant Production Manager

This is a unique opportunity to join a well-established business at a time of global growth, you will be coming in as a key member of the management team.
Job Purpose
The Assistant Production Manager is a hands-on operational leader responsible for supporting the day-to-day management of production across two multi-batch material processing sites. The role ensures that production activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with production plans while maintaining the highest standards of quality, cost control, and customer order delivery.
Working closely with the Production Manager, the successful candidate will lead small multi-skilled teams, drive continuous improvement, and actively contribute on the shop floor to achieve operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Production Operations
Support the planning and execution of daily production activities across two manufacturing sites.
Ensure production targets are achieved in accordance with the agreed production schedule.
Monitor plant performance and resolve operational issues to minimise downtime.
Maintain flexibility to respond to changing customer demands and production priorities.
Provide hands-on operational support where required to ensure production objectives are met.
Team Leadership
Lead, motivate and develop small multi-skilled production teams.
Allocate labour effectively to maximise productivity and operational efficiency.
Coach team members to improve skills, performance and engagement.
Promote a positive, accountable and collaborative working culture.
Health, Safety & Environmental
Champion a strong health and safety culture across both sites.
Ensure compliance with all company policies, risk assessments and safe systems of work.
Conduct workplace inspections and support accident and near-miss investigations.
Ensure all personnel wear, use appropriate PPE, and follow safe working practices.
Identify hazards and implement corrective actions to reduce operational risk.
Quality
Ensure products consistently meet customer specifications and quality standards.
Monitor production quality and investigate non-conformances.
Work with Quality and Technical teams to implement corrective and preventative actions.
Promote a right-first-time approach throughout production operations.
Cost Control & Continuous Improvement
Support achievement of departmental cost targets through effective management of labour, materials and equipment.
Reduce waste, improve efficiencies and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Monitor production performance against KPIs and recommend improvements.
Assist with lean manufacturing initiatives and process optimisation.
Stock & Materials Management
Maintain accurate stock levels of raw materials, packaging and finished goods.
Ensure effective stock rotation and minimise waste and obsolete inventory.
Work closely with Purchasing and Stores to maintain material availability.
Support regular stock counts and inventory accuracy across both sites.
Communication
Liaise with cross department functions such as Sales administration, Procurement and Accounts to ensure smooth operational performance.
Provide regular production updates to senior management.
Ensure clear communication between shifts and across both production sites.
Key Skills & Experience:
Essential
Previous experience in a supervisory or assistant management role within a manufacturing or material processing environment.
Experience managing batch processing or multi-product manufacturing operations.
Proven ability to lead and motivate small multi-skilled teams.
Strong understanding of production planning and scheduling.
Excellent knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and safe working practices.
Experience managing production KPIs, quality standards and operational performance.
Good stock control and inventory management experience.
Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to make decisions under pressure and prioritise workload effectively.
Good IT skills including Microsoft Office.
Full UK driving licence and willingness to work across two manufacturing sites.
Desirable
IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
Continuous Improvement experience.
Experience within chemical, mineral, coatings, recycling or material processing industries.
Forklift licence or other relevant plant operation qualifications.
Personal Attributes
Hands-on leader who leads by example.
Positive, proactive and resilient approach.
Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
Commercially aware with a focus on cost control.
High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Driven to continuously improve processes, people and performance.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Achievement of daily and weekly production plans.
Health & Safety performance and compliance.
Product quality and customer satisfaction.
Labour productivity and equipment efficiency.
Material yield and waste reduction.
Inventory accuracy and stock control.
Team engagement, attendance and development.
Continuous improvement initiatives delivered.
For more information, please forward you CV and we can organise a confidential chat at a time to suit you