Review: Production Manager, Materials Supply – Bo'ness Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Production Manager to join a leading UK fresh prepared food manufacturer. The role, based at the Bakkavor Salads site in Bo'ness, offers a dynamic environment where challenges are embraced, and individual growth is actively encouraged.
Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:
- Career Development & Growth: The company explicitly states a commitment to providing "a variety of career pathways and options to explore and pursue." This, coupled with a culture of mentoring and role-modelling success, suggests a supportive environment for career advancement. The emphasis on continuous improvement tools and techniques will also equip candidates with valuable, transferable skills.
- Impactful Role: As a Production Manager, you will be directly accountable for delivering high-quality production targets, driving operational excellence, and fostering a positive team culture. This includes managing labour, materials, and the performance of your shift, offering significant responsibility and the chance to make a tangible impact.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Beyond a competitive salary, Bakkavor offers a strong benefits package. This includes an attractive annual bonus of up to 10%, private healthcare, life assurance, and 25 days of holiday, contributing to overall employee wellbeing and financial security. A wide array of additional voluntary benefits further enhance this offering.
- Dynamic and Resilient Culture: The company thrives on "challenge and change" within a "24/7 operation." For individuals who are motivated by a fast-paced environment and enjoy problem-solving, this role offers an engaging and stimulating workplace.
- Commitment to Wellbeing: Bakkavor demonstrates a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, offering emotional, physical, and financial support services. This holistic approach ensures employees are well-supported both personally and professionally.
Key Considerations for Candidates:
- Shift Pattern: The role operates on a Tuesday to Saturday, 13:30 - 22:30 shift. Candidates must be adaptable and comfortable with this specific working pattern.
- Site-Based Operations: This is a site-based role, requiring a consistent presence at the Bo'ness facility.
- Industry Experience: While not essential, previous experience in the food industry, particularly chilled food or FMCG, is preferred. Candidates without direct experience will need to demonstrate a strong track record in transferable skills such as leadership, stakeholder management, and operational efficiency.
- Continuous Improvement Focus: The role heavily emphasizes the use of Continuous Improvement tools and techniques. A strong understanding and practical application of these methods, such as value stream mapping and problem-solving, will be crucial for success.
- Leadership and Communication Skills: Strong leadership, motivation, and engagement skills are paramount. The ability to foster an inclusive culture with effective two-way communication will be key to managing and developing your team.
Guidance for Career Path:
This Production Manager position is an excellent stepping stone for individuals looking to deepen their expertise in operational management within the food manufacturing sector. It offers a fantastic platform to hone leadership capabilities, master continuous improvement methodologies, and contribute to the success of a market-leading organisation. The emphasis on learning and development, coupled with the exposure to a high-volume, fast-paced environment, will provide invaluable experience for future career progression within Bakkavor or the broader FMCG industry. Candidates who are resilient, adaptable, and possess a passion for driving operational excellence will find this role particularly rewarding.