Role: Production Manager

Reports to: Head of Production

Site: Darlington

Hours: 8am-4.30pm

We’re looking for an experienced Production Manager to join our Darlington manufacturing site. In this role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end management of the manufacturing operation, ensuring optimal efficiency, consistent quality, on-time delivery and cost control. This role leads and develops the production team to meet current and future business requirements, while driving continuous improvement, safety, and financial performance in line with site and business objectives.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary

• 10% company bonus

• Private medical insurance

• Subsidised canteen

• Fantastic company discounts: Up to 80% off our stylish kitchen ranges and products

• Flexible holidays: Buy up to five extra days with our holiday purchase scheme

• Wellbeing support: Access to our virtual GP service and employee assistance platform 24/7

• Lifestyle perks: Cycle to work scheme and savings on hundreds of top brands via our benefits app

• A collaborative culture built on care, inclusion, and continuous improvement

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead and coordinate production teams to deliver forecasted output OTIF and to the highest quality standards.

• Manage manufacturing budgets and forecasts, controlling labour, materials and overhead costs effectively.

• Support financial planning through scenario modelling and efficient resource management.

• Minimise waste and stock write-offs during product launches, changes and discontinuations.

• Develop and coach teams through performance management, training plans and succession planning.

• Maintain a safe working environment with strong hazard awareness, Near Miss reporting and up-to-date risk assessments.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean tools, root cause analysis and performance data.

• Ensure compliance with quality standards, delivering timely corrective actions and continuous process improvements.

Who we’re looking for:

• Strong people management capability, focused on developing both individuals and high-performing teams.

• Collaborative and disciplined approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.

• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes, operational best practice and production environments.

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to think laterally in fast-paced settings.

• Hands-on experience applying Lean manufacturing principles and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

• Strong commercial awareness, including experience managing manufacturing budgets and forecasts.

• Ability to balance performance, quality, service and cost while making informed value-versus-cost decisions.

You’ll also be successful in this role by living and breathing our core values - Care, Deliver, Inspire.

Care – Building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and supporting others while caring about our customers
Inspiring – Communicating with impact, leading with purpose, and helping bring our strategy to life
Delivering – Making sound decisions, using data and insight to drive action, and staying focused on results with a mindset of continuous improvement

Why choose Magnet?

At Magnet, we’re proud of our 100-year heritage—and even more excited about what’s ahead.
As the UK’s leading kitchen specialist, our success is built on the passion and creativity of our people. We’re on a journey of transformation, and we’re always open to fresh ideas. So even if you don’t meet every requirement, we’d still love to hear from you.

We’re committed to providing equal opportunities for all candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.