ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER – FRESH PRODUCE
FRESH PRODUCE | PACKHOUSE OPERATIONS | PEOPLE LEADERSHIP | OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Fresh People are recruiting for Assistant Production Managers on behalf of a leading fresh produce business based in Dartford, Kent.
This is an excellent opportunity for experienced fresh produce production professionals who understand the demands of a fast-paced packhouse environment and know how to drive operational performance, improve efficiencies and get the best from their teams.
We are looking for hands-on, commercially aware leaders who are confident managing people, monitoring KPIs, identifying opportunities for improvement and ensuring production targets are consistently achieved.THE ROLE
Working closely with the Production Manager, you will support the daily running of a busy fresh produce packing operation, ensuring productivity, quality, efficiency and operational standards are maintained.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting the day-to-day management of packhouse production operations, deputising for the Production Manager when required.
- Monitoring production KPIs, run rates, labour efficiency, productivity and overall operational performance.
- Driving improvements in output, production yields, waste reduction and cost efficiency.
- Leading, coaching and developing production teams to deliver against operational targets.
- Reviewing daily production performance, identifying trends and implementing corrective actions.
- Working closely with Planning, Technical and Supply Chain teams to ensure production schedules and customer requirements are achieved.
- Supporting effective workforce planning, labour allocation and temporary labour requirements.
- Maintaining high standards of food safety, quality, Health & Safety and BRCGS compliance.
- Identifying operational challenges, supporting root cause analysis and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Promoting a positive, accountable and performance-focused culture across the production environment.
ABOUT YOU
We are particularly interested in candidates who have developed their careers within fresh produce packhouse operations and understand the challenges of delivering high-volume production against demanding customer requirements.
You will ideally bring:
- Essential experience within fresh produce production or packhouse operations.
- Previous supervisory, shift management or production team leadership experience.
- Strong understanding of operational KPIs, production efficiencies, labour productivity and performance management.
- Proven ability to motivate teams, improve performance and deliver production targets.
- Experience identifying inefficiencies, reducing waste and improving production yields.
- Good understanding of food safety, BRCGS, quality and Health & Safety requirements.
- Strong communication, problem-solving and organisational skills.
- A proactive, hands-on leadership style with the confidence to make decisions in a fast-moving environment.
- Experience using production reporting systems, ERP software and Microsoft Office.
- Working hours: 40 hours per week
- Working patterns: Monday–Friday, Tuesday–Saturday or Sunday–Thursday
INTERESTED?
If you are an experienced fresh produce production professional who enjoys leading teams, improving operational performance and making a genuine impact within a busy packhouse environment, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Fresh People for a confidential discussion about these two opportunities.
