Production Manager

Production Manager

Lead Manufacturing. Develop People. Drive Performance.

Are you an experienced Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager or Plant Manager who enjoys developing people, improving performance and making manufacturing operations better?

At Zotefoams, we’re continuing to invest in our people, processes and manufacturing capability as we grow internationally. We’re looking for a Production Manager to lead a substantial 24/7 manufacturing operation, develop a strong and engaged team, and drive our Operational Excellence journey through Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

You’ll take responsibility for approximately 50 employees, including four direct-report Shift Supervisors, with the opportunity to make a visible impact on safety, quality, productivity, efficiency and overall site performance.

Reporting directly to the Operations Director, this is a key leadership role where you’ll help shape how we operate, strengthen capability across the team and build a culture where continuous improvement becomes part of the way we work.

About Zotefoams

Zotefoams plc is a global manufacturer of advanced cellular materials used across automotive, aerospace, medical, industrial and sports applications.

Our products help some of the world’s most recognisable brands improve product performance, reduce weight and support sustainability goals. As we continue to grow internationally, we’re investing in our facilities, technology and people to strengthen our manufacturing capability for the future.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading day-to-day production across a 24/7 manufacturing operation.

• Coaching and developing Shift Supervisors and production teams, building capability, accountability and engagement.

• Creating a strong culture around safety, quality, performance and continuous improvement.

• Leading our Operational Excellence programme and embedding Lean manufacturing principles across production.

• Using Lean methodologies including 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, Kaizen and Value Stream Mapping.

• Driving measurable improvements across productivity, OEE, scrap, yield, efficiency and cost.

• Using structured problem solving, including A3, PDCA, 5 Why and root cause analysis, to address recurring operational issues.

• Strengthening daily management routines and the use of visual KPIs to identify gaps and drive action.

• Working closely with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain and HSE to improve end-to-end manufacturing performance.

• Identifying and delivering improvement projects with clear operational and financial benefits.

• Supporting workforce planning, succession planning and the development of future leaders.

• Contributing to site strategy, ISO compliance, audits and longer-term operational planning.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for an established manufacturing leader who combines strong people leadership with a genuine continuous improvement mindset.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Experience leading sizeable production teams within a manufacturing environment.

• Experience managing and developing supervisors, team leaders or shift managers.

• A strong track record of improving operational performance while developing people.

• Practical experience of Lean manufacturing, Operational Excellence or structured continuous improvement.

• Knowledge of Lean methodologies such as 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, Visual Management and structured problem solving.

• A good understanding of manufacturing KPIs including safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, OEE, scrap and efficiency.

• The ability to turn operational data into clear priorities and actions.

• A practical, hands-on and people-focused approach to leadership.

• The ability to engage teams in change and create ownership for continuous improvement.

Experience within process manufacturing, chemicals, polymers, packaging, materials or a similar industrial manufacturing environment would be particularly relevant.

Why Join Zotefoams?

• Take ownership of a substantial 24/7 manufacturing operation.

• Lead an Operational Excellence and Lean transformation with the opportunity to make a visible difference.

• Work directly with senior leadership and influence site performance and strategy.

• Develop and shape a team of around 50 people.

• Join an international manufacturing business investing in its people, technology and future capability.

• Build your career within a growing global organisation.

Our Values

Courage – We challenge, innovate and continuously improve.

Impact – We focus on what matters and deliver results.

Respect – We value different perspectives and succeed together.