Job Title: Production Manager

Location: Newton Aycliffe

Salary: £55,000-£60,000

Benefits:

* 9% employer pension contribution through salary sacrifice

* Bonus scheme

* 26 days plus 8 bank holidays

* Life insurance covering you up to 6x your salary if you have financial dependants

* Discounted BUPA membership for you and your family

* Online discount portal to save money with retailers used in everyday life

The Company:

Theo James Recruitment is proud to bring an exciting Production Manager opportunity to market through our dedicated Executive and Leadership Search function. This role sits within a global leader in the polymer and chemical manufacturing sector, based in the North East. The successful candidate will join a dynamic leadership team, working closely with other senior stakeholders to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across the site. This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking business that not only leads in its field but also places a strong emphasis on people, culture, and long-term development — making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact.

Working Hours: Day shift

Job Description:

Leading a High-Performing Team: Inspire, support, and develop a large production team, aligning them with site strategy while promoting a culture of accountability, coaching, and continuous growth.

Driving Operational Best Practices: Own and evolve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), bringing structure and consistency to how the plant runs, while embracing new technologies and digital improvements.

Building Skills and Capability: Ensure all operators are fully trained, competent, and supported through clear development plans and robust validation processes that uphold industry-leading standards.

Planning for Performance: Work closely with the supply chain to align resources with production demand, adapt to changing priorities, and make sure production targets are consistently met.

Maintaining a World-Class Environment: Champion high standards in housekeeping and equipment condition, embedding 5S principles and initiating Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) improvements.

Reducing Downtime and Improving Efficiency: Use data-driven insights and SMED analysis to minimise changeover times, reduce human error, and trial new methods that drive faster, smarter production.

Owning Cost Control: Keep a close eye on overtime, waste, and consumables, ensuring targets are met and budgets are maintained without compromising on quality or output.

Optimising Stock Management: Lead inventory control efforts to ensure optimal stock levels and accurate reporting, while maintaining a clean, efficient and audit-ready production environment.

Engaging with Customers: Represent the production team during site audits or customer visits, and support complaint investigations with robust root cause analysis and process improvements.

Skills & Experience:

Proven leadership experience in a fast-paced production or process environment.

Strong knowledge of operational best practices, including lean manufacturing, SOPs, 5S, TPM and SMED

A track record of building and developing high-performing teams

Excellent problem-solving skills, with confidence in root cause analysis and driving continuous improvement

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills - able to influence, coach and collaborate across all levels

Ideally, experience managing production in a regulated environment.

Why Should You Apply?

Working for a leading chemical manufacturing company based in Newton Aycliffe offers the opportunity to be part of a dynamic and innovative team at the forefront of materials development. The site is known for its commitment to high-quality production standards, continuous improvement, and sustainability initiatives. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment, opportunities for career progression, and the chance to contribute to products that have a real-world impact across various industries. Its location in Newton Aycliffe also provides a strong community feel, excellent transport links, and a balance between professional and personal life