Assistant Production Manager

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Production Assistant Manager

Department: Manufacturing
Reporting To: Head of Manufacturing
Location: Paddock Wood, Kent

Role Overview

The Production Assistant Manager is responsible for the day to day management of manufacturing operations within the newly built clean room production facility.

The role combines team leadership with hands on technical oversight of blending, filling and packing equipment.

The successful candidate must be capable of operating production machinery, diagnosing faults and resolving minor mechanical or process issues to minimise downtime and maintain output. The role ensures safe, compliant and efficient manufacture of powders, capsules and related formats in line with GMP, HACCP and BRCGS standards.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities
• Support the Head of Manufacturing in the day to day management of production operations
• Supervise daily production activities across blending, capsule filling, sachet filling and packing lines
• Lead and support production operators to ensure safe and efficient operations
• Set up, operate and oversee machinery including ribbon blenders, capsule filling machines, sachet filling machines and packing equipment
• Diagnose and resolve minor mechanical or process issues to minimise downtime
• Ensure production runs in accordance with the agreed production plan
• Maintain high standards of GMP, hygiene and housekeeping within the clean room facility
• Ensure batch documentation and production records are completed accurately
• Conduct in process quality checks to ensure product meets specification
• Support training of new operators and ongoing development of the production team
• Work closely with the Head of Manufacturing to improve productivity, efficiency and process reliability
• Assist with implementation and maintenance of HACCP, QMS and BRCGS systems

Skills and Experience
• Experience supervising manufacturing or production teams
• Experience operating or overseeing manufacturing machinery
• Experience in food, pharmaceutical or supplement manufacturing preferred
• Strong problem solving ability and mechanical awareness
• Ability to lead teams and maintain production discipline
• Strong organisational and communication skills

Education
• Secondary education or equivalent
• Vocational qualification in engineering, manufacturing or production operations is beneficial

Key Performance Indicators

Adherence to production plan

Cost per unit

Labour cost per batch versus standard

Overall equipment effectiveness

Right first time batch completion

Benefits

• Competitive £35,235 Salary, dependent on experience (DOE)
• Collaborative and ambitious working culture with opportunities to build and lead
• Clear career development and progression opportunities
• 33 days' holiday allowance, including bank holidays
• Free on-site parking
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)