PRODUCTION & QUALITY ASSISTANT MANAGER

Posted: 16th March 2026 Salary: £31,000 – £35,000 Location: Maiden Newton Reference: MSZPQAM160426 Our client is a growing artisan food production business known for high-quality products and strong attention to detail in their manufacturing processes. With a small, close-knit team and increasing demand, the business is looking to strengthen its production leadership by hiring an experienced Production & Quality Assistant Manager to support daily operations and maintain exceptional quality standards. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with food production experience who enjoys working in a hands-on environment and wants to contribute to the growth of a developing business. The Role: The Production & Quality Assistant Manager will support the Production Manager in ensuring the factory runs efficiently, safely and in line with all relevant quality and traceability standards. Working within a small team, this role will combine production coordination, quality oversight, and hands-on operational involvement. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining production standards, supporting planning activities, and ensuring ingredients, processes, and documentation meet the required specifications. As the company continues to grow, this role offers future progression opportunities. Key Responsibilities: •Assist the Production Manager in the day-to-day running of the factory •Support production planning and scheduling to meet customer demand •Maintain high standards of product quality and consistency •Monitor and record production processes and batch documentation •Ensure strong traceability of ingredients, materials, and finished products •Conduct stock checks of ingredients and materials, ensuring availability for production •Work closely with the sales team to ensure production aligns with customer orders and timelines •Support implementation and maintenance of food safety and quality procedures •Assist with continuous improvement initiatives as the business grows •Take part in hands-on production tasks where required •Help ensure the factory operates in line with food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards •Contribute to a collaborative and supportive team environment. Skills & Experience Required: •Previous experience in a food production or food manufacturing environment •Understanding of food safety, quality control, and traceability processes •Ability to multitask and work effectively within a small team •Strong organisational skills and attention to detail •Comfortable working in both operational and administrative aspects of production •Experience recording or managing production documentation •Proactive mindset with the ability to identify and solve operational issues. Desirable Experience: •Knowledge of HACCP, food safety standards, or quality management systems •Experience in production planning or stock management •Previous supervisory or team leadership exposure. Personal Attributes: •Hands-on and adaptable •Strong communicator who can work closely with different teams •Highly organised with excellent attention to detail •Able to thrive in a fast-paced, small business environment •Motivated to contribute to the growth and development of the company. Opportunity: This role offers the chance to join a growing artisan food business where your contribution will directly impact production efficiency, product quality, and operational development. For the right candidate, there is clear potential to grow into a more senior operational or shift management position as the business expands.