High Risk Production Manager

OverviewThe Production Manager is responsible for leading and managing the high-risk production area, ensuring all operations run efficiently, safely, and in full compliance with strict food safety, hygiene, and quality standards. This role demands close control over complex, high-care production processes where product safety, traceability, and regulatory compliance are critical. The role is accountable for delivering production volume, yield, quality, and cost targets while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and employee welfare in a high-risk environment.ResponsibilitiesTake full accountability for the day-to-day running of the high-risk production area, including production output, line efficiency, staffing, and performance.Ensure all slicing and packaging operations comply with stringent food safety, HACCP, allergen management, and hygiene protocols specific to high-risk meat processing and are produced in line with customer requirements and internal specifications.Manage and monitor team deployment to maximise labour efficiency, including shift and break planning, line balancing, and task allocation.Lead the team in strict adherence to cleaning and sanitation schedules, including regular deep cleans and preventative maintenance to minimise contamination risk.Guarantee full traceability and labelling accuracy, ensuring every product can be traced back through the production process.Proactively identify and mitigate food safety risks, including potential cross-contamination, temperature control breaches, and allergen exposure.Ensure waste and yield targets are met, actively managing giveaway, trimming loss, and downtime reduction.Complete and maintain accurate production and quality records in accordance with site procedures and audit requirements.Ensure compliance with health and safety policies and procedures, working with the HSE Lead to implement and enforce robust health and safety standards to protect employees from risks associated with slicing machinery and processing operations.Support training, coaching, and development of team members to improve capability, flexibility, and performance across the production area, meeting with the Operations Training Coordinator on a monthly basis to assess and plan training initiatives and maintain compliance on food safety, equipment operation, and safety procedures specific to high-risk slicing environments.Work closely with Technical, Engineering, and Planning teams to ensure seamless operation and resolution of issues.Monitor real-time production data and respond swiftly to any deviations from quality, safety, or production KPIs.Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on optimising slicing yields, reducing waste, improving line speed, and enhancing product quality.Remain flexible and responsive to changing production demands, shift requirements, or customer priorities.Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and compliance, leading by example in discipline, attendance, hygiene, and conduct.Any other tasks as deemed appropriate to the position and aligned with organizational needs.Additional Management ResponsibilitiesBe fully responsible for maintaining a safe, harmonious, and productive working environment within the boundaries and budgetary targets as defined by your line manager.Establish, lead, inspire, and develop a successful team to consistently deliver daily operational objectives that meet or exceed business and customer expectations.Understand and rigorously apply the principles of current Health & Safety legislation and company procedures, ensuring compliance and promoting safe working practices at all times through proactive application of accident prevention mechanisms.Understand and actively apply the principles of current Food Safety legislation and company policies to all aspects of the manufacturing process.Maintain a thorough understanding of relevant products, processes, slicing specifications and processing techniques, ensuring consistent application to strike the right balance between meeting agreed quality standards and maximising yield opportunities.Be fully aware of agreed business targets regarding customer service levels and quality measures and ensure that plan attainment supports achievement of these KPIs.Deliver project-based milestones on time, supporting business development and continuous improvement projects.Maintain the manufacturing cost base within agreed budgetary tolerances without compromising quality or safety standards.Maintain a safe and productive work environment across the department that fosters collaborative employee involvement, encouraging ideas and participation whilst ensuring compliance with the company's procedural expectations.Skills / Competencies / BehavioursEffective leadership in managing high risk slicing operations to meet stringent safety and production targets.Clear, consistent communication with all levels to ensure smooth operations.Strong organisational skills, adapting plans to changing production needs.Deep knowledge and consistent application of food safety, hygiene, and traceability standards.Comprehensive knowledge of food safety, hygiene, HACCP, allergen controls and traceability standards in high-risk operations.A results-driven approach with a strong focus on quality, efficiency and continuous improvement.Ability to analyse data to identify trends and implement corrective actions promptly.Attention to detail and commitment to compliance and product safety.Proactive commitment to health and safety and accident prevention.Flexibility and problem-solving in a dynamic environment.Focus on developing and coaching team members.Accountability for performance and continuous improvement.Job DetailsSeniority level: Not ApplicableEmployment type: Full-timeJob function: Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/EditingIndustries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr