Robert Walters
Head of Production

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Head of Production Role
A leading manufacturing organisation near Bolton is seeking a Head of Production to oversee and expand its production operations. This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape the future of production, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and quality while fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.
With a competitive salary range of £65,000 - £75,000 p/a, performance-related bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including pension scheme and training opportunities, this position is ideal for someone who thrives in an inclusive environment where your growth and development are actively supported. You will be empowered to drive operational excellence, collaborate across departments, and play a key part in succession planning for senior leadership. If you are passionate about nurturing teams, optimising processes, and making a tangible impact on business outcomes, this is your chance to join an organisation that values your expertise and commitment.
What you'll do:
- Oversee the day-to-day management of production operations, ensuring smooth workflow and consistent output across all shifts.
- Execute production plans reliably and efficiently by coordinating resources, materials, equipment, and staff to meet customer requirements.
- Monitor production performance metrics such as downtime, waste reduction, labour efficiency, and output quality to ensure targets are met.
- Take proactive corrective action when production targets are not achieved by identifying root causes and implementing sustainable solutions.
- Support the introduction of new products, processes, or packaging formats into production by collaborating closely with engineering and quality teams.
- Manage production supervisors, team leaders, and shop-floor employees by setting clear expectations for performance, conduct, quality, and safety standards.
- Coach and develop team members through skills development initiatives, training programmes, and succession planning within the production team.
- Promote teamwork, accountability, and a hands-on working culture that encourages collaboration across departments including supply chain and logistics.
- Ensure compliance with internal quality standards as well as customer requirements by reviewing processes regularly for improvement opportunities.
- Participate in operational meetings and performance reviews while sharing best practices with headquarters and other group sites.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What you bring:
- Several years' experience in production management within FMCG, consumer goods, chemical products, or food manufacturing environments is highly desirable for this role.
- Proven track record leading diverse production teams including supervisors, team leaders, and shop-floor employees with empathy and clarity.
- Strong understanding of production planning principles alongside efficiency optimisation strategies, quality control measures, hygiene protocols, and safety standards.
- Practical experience improving production processes through collaborative problem-solving techniques that deliver measurable results.
- Excellent organisational skills paired with analytical abilities that enable you to manage complex operations effectively.
- Clear communication style both written and spoken; able to convey information confidently yet considerately across all levels of the organisation.
- Hands-on management approach with visibility on the shop-floor; you demonstrate responsibility by being present where needed most.
- Ability to work under pressure while making sound decisions in demanding environments without compromising on quality or safety.
- Good working knowledge of MS Office applications for reporting purposes; familiarity with SAP or other ERP systems is desirable but not mandatory.


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What's next:
If you're ready to take your career forward in an environment where your expertise makes a difference every day, please apply today by clicking on the link provided below. Alternatively, contact Jon Armstrong at Robert Walters UK.
Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.
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