Production Unit Manager

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At Britvic, we make, market and sell great-tasting soft drinks, offering refreshments to billions of consumers worldwide. We're constantly refreshing and reimagining our business, ensuring it's innovative and evolving while staying true to our vision - to be the most dynamic soft drinks company, creating a better tomorrow. We've been home to iconic brands for over 100 years, and our relevance is anchored in an authentic heritage. Delivering our vision is down to the passion of our people, and we create conditions for everyone to thrive and grow. From our international supply chain and network of partners, we export to over 100 countries, offering opportunities for our people and businesses to grow.

Job Overview

The Production Unit Manager is responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, performance, and leadership of the manufacturing function within their area. This role is essential for maintaining standards that deliver customer satisfaction in a safe environment while continuously improving processes and systems. Key responsibilities include performance management, people development, team engagement, and balanced scorecard management covering Health & Safety, Quality, People, Delivery, and Cost.

A critical aspect of the role involves utilizing digital manufacturing and data-driven decision-making to optimize production and support ongoing improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrate safety leadership and an 'audit-ready' philosophy in line with Health, Safety & Environment requirements.
• Own the agenda for meeting or exceeding customer expectations and ensuring product quality through a 'Right First Time' mentality.
• Set clear objectives, targets, and development plans for your team, using tools like the success factors tool and 9 Box methodology.
• Deliver committed volume to meet customer demand by optimizing line efficiency, reliability, and waste reduction.
• Control costs related to material usage, labour, productivity, downtime, waste, and rework within your area.
• Gather and interpret data to report on the "balanced scorecard," identifying issues and implementing solutions.
• Liaise with engineering and technical functions to ensure maximum uptime, timely resolution of breakdowns, and quality performance.
• Support the planning and implementation of capital projects within your area to ensure delivery and business case targets are met.

Requirements

• Proven experience managing large teams within a complex production environment (multiple SKUs, product changeovers, packaging variants).
• Demonstrated ability to lead site performance and culture from a basic environment to the highest level of efficiency and standards.
• Proficiency in digital manufacturing and data-driven decision-making.
• Strong management skills, with the ability to coach and develop staff.
• Expertise in production KPIs, budget management, and continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of HSE and food safety requirements in factory settings.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to influence and persuade others, including management colleagues.
• Drive to succeed, improve, and challenge the status quo.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a related field (HND/Engineering/Business).
• Certification in Health and Safety (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely).
• Experience in FMCG environments is desirable.
• Strong IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).