Job Description

Production Manager

Louth

DS Smith is seeking a high-performing Production Manager to lead, manage, motivate, and develop the Production Team at our Louth site. As Production Manager, you will lead the manufacturing teams and take our production systems to the next level. You will be a highly visible and inclusive leader, inspiring positive change and driving efficiency across site operations.

You will take full accountability for the effective running of the Production function, with a focus on developing a customer-focused, continuous improvement culture. With a strong commitment to manufacturing excellence across health & safety, quality, productivity, and process improvement, you will deliver measurable improvements through the use of modern manufacturing tools and techniques.

Working closely with the Site General Manager and leadership team, you will play a key role in delivering site strategy, KPIs, and sustainability goals while ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the Production function.

Role Responsibilities:

• Ensure the effective day-to-day running of the Production function, developing the team to deliver the site Production Plan in line with Divisional and Group initiatives.
• Drive HSER standards through consistent application of Leadership in Action tools.
• Improve productivity through effective monitoring and management of process performance.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, acting as a key liaison to ensure a seamless service to customers.
• Provide direct line management to senior production team members, including performance management, absence management, and reporting.
• Ensure appropriate resource levels and team cover to meet operational demands.
• Work closely with the Engineering Manager to ensure asset reliability through effective planned maintenance strategies.

What we would like to see:

• Strong production or manufacturing background (degree desirable).
• Experience managing teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of lean principles and experience in continuous improvement environments.
• Proven leadership capability with the ability to engage, motivate, and inspire teams.
• Sound knowledge and experience of operational management within a fast-paced production setting.

What we can offer you:

• Competitive salary
• Company pension scheme & life assurance
• Income protection
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Private medical support including Virtual GP & Occupational Health
• Cycle to Work scheme and retail discounts
• Share Save scheme

To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we are committed to building a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. We strive to create an inclusive culture where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

We welcome applications from all candidates, even if you don’t meet every requirement listed.

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