Production Manager

Join a Growing British Food Manufacturing Business

Talloes Crisps is building something special.

Having recently acquired the Talloes brand, we are bringing production in-house and launching our own artisan crisp manufacturing facility on the Kent and Surrey border. This is an exciting opportunity to join a business at the beginning of its growth journey and play a key role in shaping its future.

We are looking for a hands-on Production Manager who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys leading people, solving problems, and building efficient production operations.

This is far more than a standard production role. You will have the opportunity to influence processes, develop teams, improve performance, and help create the foundations of a scalable food manufacturing business.

As Production Manager, you will take ownership of the day-to-day manufacturing operation, overseeing the production process from cooking and seasoning through to packing and dispatch.

You will be responsible for ensuring production targets are achieved while maintaining the highest standards of quality, food safety, efficiency, and team performance.

Working closely with the founders, you will help transform an early-stage manufacturing facility into a well-structured, high-performing operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the daily running of the manufacturing facility.
• Oversee production activities including frying, seasoning, packing and finished goods.
• Deliver production plans safely, efficiently and on schedule.
• Monitor product quality and consistency.
• Drive operational efficiency and minimise downtime.
• Develop effective production routines and standard operating procedures.
• Manage raw material and packaging usage to reduce waste and improve yield.

Team Leadership

• Lead, motivate and develop the production team.
• Create a positive, accountable and high-performing culture.
• Train employees on production standards, hygiene requirements and safe working practices.
• Support workforce planning and labour management.
• Set clear expectations around quality, productivity and performance.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and traceability.
• Support SALSA accreditation and compliance requirements.
• Ensure HACCP controls and allergen management procedures are followed.
• Prepare for audits and maintain robust production records.
• Promote a strong food safety culture throughout the business.

Equipment & Continuous Improvement

• Act as the first point of contact for production equipment issues.
• Support basic fault-finding and troubleshooting activities.
• Work effectively with engineers, contractors and machinery suppliers.
• Help reduce unnecessary downtime and contractor costs.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and manufacturing performance.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and optimisation of the facility.

About You

We are looking for an individual who combines strong production leadership with a practical, hands-on approach.

You will ideally have:

• Experience within food manufacturing, FMCG or food production environments.
• Previous experience as a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Shift Manager, Operations Manager or similar leadership role.
• Knowledge of food safety, HACCP and hygiene standards.
• Exposure to SALSA, BRCGS or similar quality systems.
• Strong people management and team development skills.
• Practical engineering awareness and confidence working around production machinery.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Commercial awareness with experience managing waste, labour and operational costs.

Desirable Experience

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience in:

• Crisp, snack, bakery, frying or chilled food manufacturing.
• Small or founder-led manufacturing businesses.
• Production start-ups or facility launch projects.
• Process improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Working with conveyors, packaging equipment, pumps, motors and automated production systems.

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