The role of Production Manager is a recognised line manager position within the business. The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of their area, resources, and team members, with primary responsibilities to oversee and organise the engineering process and ensure colleagues operate in a safe and timely manner. The Production Manager must work closely with the engineering department and planning in order to maximise production versus maintenance.

In keeping with the packaging manufacturer Open Leadership Framework, all line managers are required to display appropriate positive leadership behaviours that empower and inspire their teams to perform to the best of their capabilities.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

People Management

The Production Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day people resource within their area. Key areas of focus will include:
• Health & Safety
• Communication
• Performance Development Reviews (1-2-1’s & PDRs) and Performance Development Plans (PDPs)
• Training & Development
• Performance Management (+ & -)
• Absence Management (authorised & unauthorised)
• Investigations
• Discipline & Grievance
• Team Briefings/Production Meetings/Tool Box Talks
• Update TMS with relevant employee information e.g. PDRs, Absence, training, etc
• Safety for Life conversations

Controls & Targets

The Production Manager is responsible for achieving and communicating operational targets within their area of responsibility, both within their own team and across the wider organisation. The Production Manager will be responsible for ensuring their team members understand the measures and how they are performing against them. They will be able to identify possible areas of improvement. Key areas of focus will include:
• OEE
• Service
• Quality
• Overtime
• Manning
• OTIF
• Downtime – planned maintenance
• Stock Levels
• Complaints reduction
• SSOW/SOPs
• Safety Conversations
• Audits

The Production Manager is responsible for managing the activities within their area. Key areas of focus will include:
• Responsibility for the operational functions of a process area to ensure the output requirements of the business are met.
• To exceed targets for efficiency, output, quality, and waste.
• To promote and maintain high standards of health, safety, and hygiene within their team and the wider business.
• Achieve required daily output volumes.
• Ensure all output is manufactured to the required specification, quality, and quantity.
• Co-ordinate the activities of the Team Leaders and develop them to achieve daily output requirements.
• Ensure all staff are held accountable for their responsibilities.
• Ensure all operators are fully trained to company standards of competence.
• Ensure flexibility of skills are available at all times to cover holidays, absence, etc.
• Maintain control and discipline of all staff.
• Ensure the department operates to the company’s health, safety, and hygiene policies and procedures. To undertake risk assessments, safe systems of work, inspections, and accident investigations.
• Work with the Quality function to develop and maintain process control checks for the area.
• Work with Engineering function to develop planned maintenance routines and daily machine control checks.
• Work with other team managers to ensure good and effective communication between shifts and other departments.
• Work to reduce raw material costs including working with suppliers.
• Participate in setting goals and standards for the department.
• Promote a climate of continuous improvement and employee motivation and involvement at all levels, by participation in company programme.

Regular Contacts

Internal:
• Production Management and Team Leaders
• Machine Operators
• Planning
• Quality
• Maintenance

External:
• Contractors
• Suppliers
• External Professional bodies

Other Requirements
• Strong Leadership skills
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Conflict resolution experience
• Adaptability & Resilience
• Flexibility to travel as needed for site visits and training

Health and Safety
Health and Safety is an integral part of packaging manufacturer activities, and all colleagues are expected to play their part in creating a safe working environment; adhering to all policies within their area of work and conducting any such work in a safe manner.

It is vital that all colleagues recognise and acknowledge they have responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

Job Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Manager to join our client who is a leading manufacturer of food trays and packaging solutions. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving business growth through identifying new opportunities, building strong relationships with clients, and expanding our market presence. You will work closely with internal teams to align product offerings with customer needs and ensure our food trays meet the highest industry standards for quality and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Market Research & Analysis: Conduct thorough market research to identify new business opportunities, industry trends, and customer needs within the food packaging and tray manufacturing sectors.
• Client Acquisition & Retention: Develop and maintain relationships with key decision-makers at food manufacturers, foodservice companies, distributors, and retailers to drive sales of our food trays.
• Sales Strategy Development: Collaborate with senior management to develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy aimed at expanding market share, entering new markets, and increasing profitability.
• Lead Generation: Identify and pursue new leads through industry networks, trade shows, online platforms, and cold outreach. Convert leads into long-term, profitable partnerships.
• Product Knowledge: Maintain in-depth knowledge of our food tray products, materials, production processes, and sustainability efforts, ensuring you can provide valuable insight and recommendations to clients.
• Negotiation & Contracts: Lead contract negotiations, ensuring terms align with both company goals and client requirements. Manage the entire sales cycle from initial contact to deal closure.
• Collaboration: Work closely with production, R&D, and logistics teams to ensure customer expectations are met in terms of quality, timelines, and customisation options.
• Reporting & Forecasting: Prepare regular reports on sales activities, revenue performance, and market trends. Provide accurate sales forecasts to inform production planning.
• Customer Feedback & Improvement: Gather client feedback on products and services, working with internal teams to implement improvements and address concerns.
• Compliance & Sustainability: Ensure all sales activities and products comply with industry regulations, including sustainability and food safety standards.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: A background in food packaging or manufacturing is preferred, training will be give on the product.
• Experience: Business development, sales, or account management experience, ideally within the food packaging or manufacturing industries.
• Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the food packaging sector, including market trends, regulatory requirements, and sustainability practices.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in achieving and exceeding sales targets and expanding business relationships.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present to high-level decision-makers and negotiate effectively.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop creative solutions that align with client needs and business objectives.
• Self-Starter: Proactive, results-oriented, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Tech Savvy: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Travel: Willingness to travel for client meetings, trade shows, and conferences.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• Work with an innovative and growing company in a dynamic industry

Are you a relentless, driven professional with a passion for growth and an ability to close deals? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments and never take "no" for an answer? If so, we want YOU to join our clients dynamic team at a leading packaging solutions provider.

What My Client Looking For:

We are seeking a hungry and tenacious Business Development Manager to drive new business growth and expand our market share. You’ll need to bring creativity, persistence, and a results-oriented mindset. This is not a role for the faint-hearted – we’re after someone who doesn’t back down from a challenge and knows how to push boundaries to achieve success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify, target, and secure new business opportunities within the packaging industry.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships to ensure ongoing success.
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to meet aggressive growth targets.
• Deliver compelling sales presentations and close deals with confidence.
• Stay ahead of market trends and competition to continuously evolve our sales approach.

What You Bring:

• Proven track record in Business Development or Sales, ideally in the packaging sector.
• A self-starter attitude with an unstoppable drive to succeed.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and closing skills.
• Ability to think outside the box, overcome objections, and turn leads into loyal clients.
• A tenacious and "won't take no for an answer" attitude.

Overview:

The role involves supporting the effective functioning of the Quality Department and fostering a “Total Quality” mindset throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

QC Technician Function

• Ensure all necessary samples for inspection are requested and received from Goods Inward.
• Conduct thorough sample testing to verify product fitness for purpose, in line with product specifications.
• Implement decisions regarding the rejection or quarantine of non-conforming products and ensure communication of these decisions to relevant departments.
• Ensure non-conforming products are properly identified and segregated from good products.
• Monitor and ensure reported non-conformances are effectively closed out by suppliers, developing KPIs to track outstanding responses.
• Maintain an efficient system for the retention and retrieval of product samples and related quality records.
• Ensure compliance with applicable QC standards, processes, and procedures.
• Maintain quality department records.
• Participate in business projects as needed.
• Establish housekeeping standards to maintain testing facilities in a lab-appropriate condition, including sample room upkeep.
• Ensure standard operating procedures exist for all tasks and testing equipment, and that key users within the business are adequately trained.
• Undertake any training initiatives identified to support personal and departmental development.
• Perform additional duties as requested by the line manager.

Sample Coordinator Function

• Manage the sampling processes, including sample picks, sample packs, and displays, ensuring timely availability and dispatch to sales teams in the UK, Europe, and the US.
• Maintain and manage the company's image libraries, ensuring all products are accurately photographed and cataloged to company standards.
• Showcase the latest product innovations, continuously updating sample and meeting areas with new products.
• Ensure the sample aisle is regularly maintained.

Outbound Post / Courier Collections

• Oversee outbound post and courier deliveries.
• Work closely with the sales team to ensure outbound post is packed, labeled, and collections are arranged as needed.
• Provide tracking information to the sender and/or recipient.
• Ensure that all samples are packaged to reflect the company's high quality standards, especially customer samples.
• Manage outbound post, including samples to customers, global suppliers, and other company offices.

Skills & Competencies:

Customer Focus

• Demonstrates a genuine interest in meeting the needs of customers in a way that benefits both the customer and the organization.
• Understands the needs of both internal and external customers and ensures actions meet or exceed their expectations.

Job Knowledge/Quality of Work

• Exhibits strong attention to detail, thoroughness, and a methodical approach to work.
• Works efficiently to meet business needs, recognizing the importance of completing tasks in a timely manner.

Teamwork

• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with others.
• Shares information and resources as needed and responds helpfully to requests from team members.
• Contributes to group performance and team success by achieving agreed-upon objectives.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Listens and understands information, presenting it in a clear and concise manner.
• Adapts communication style to customers, peers, line managers, and external stakeholders, demonstrating respect and courtesy in all interactions.

Initiative

• Manages time effectively to ensure daily objectives are met.
• Develops and improves procedures with line manager approval.
• Takes on additional responsibilities and assists others willingly.

Planning & Organization

• Adapts to change and uses resources efficiently.
• Works with the line manager to set objectives, establish priorities, and develop plans.
• Organizes work schedules and prioritizes tasks to meet deadlines.

Flexibility

• Willing to work extra hours or assist in areas beyond the main role.
• Uses initiative to complete tasks and supports the manager and wider team objectives.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in computer skills, numerate, and displays a logical and methodical approach to work.

Hours -

37.5 hours Monday to Friday 

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Commercial Manager. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in optimising

our market and commercial position within the business, while continuously improving business methods and providing strategic analysis.

Responsibilities

• Identify key actions to enhance long-term profitability for both existing and prospective customers
• Manage and develop the business’s commercial framework, enabling local pricing and tender processes
• Oversee internal processes for quotations and tenders on a daily basis
• Ensure the quality of quotations and agreed timescales are adhered to
• Continually improve the pricing process and maintain a commercial tender and customer feedback process
• Provide proactive commercial support to site teams and align pricing strategy with business goals
• Utilise commercial tools to support business improvement and growth
• Identify and pursue cost-saving opportunities and improvements using data
• Prepare and present tenders to the sales director/management team for decision making
• Oversee site commercial and financial reporting and track margin and cost take-out initiatives
• Achieve KPIs on margin enhancement and customer commitments

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a systematic approach and possess the following skills:

• Financial literacy
• Leadership skills
• Project management skills
• Ability to translate commercial data into action plans and deliver
• The job holder will also be a confident and able communicator with a strong attention to detail and proficient in Microsoft Office Products.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health and wellness benefits
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment

If you are a results-driven professional with a strong commercial acumen and the ability to drive business improvement, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Key Account Manager to join our client who is a leading packaging manufacturer.

The ideal candidate will have experience in packaging manufacturing or distribution, ideally someone who has sold

packaging into the food or drinks industry, and possess exceptional key account management skills.

We are looking for someone who is methodical, diligent, detail-oriented, and level-headed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients in the food and drinks industry.
• Act as the main point of contact for key accounts, addressing their needs and ensuring their satisfaction.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop customised packaging solutions to meet client requirements.
• Implement strategies to grow key account sales.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments to provide insights and recommendations to the team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in key account management within the packaging industry.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials and processes, particularly in the food or drink sector.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Day-to-day

• Engage with key accounts to understand their packaging needs and provide tailored solutions.
• Coordinate with the production and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery of orders.
• Analyse sales data and client feedback to identify areas for improvement and growth.
• Participate in industry events and trade shows to network and promote our packaging solutions.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop materials and campaigns targeting key accounts.