Production Manager

About The Role:

At AO Recycling, we’re committed to extracting maximum value from the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) disposed of by UK households. Like the wider AO Group, we’re an exciting and enthusiastic company to work for. This role is based at our Telford site in Shropshire – the most advanced fridge recycling facility in the UK, using state-of-the-art technology for efficient processing.

We’re growing fast, offering opportunities to innovate and develop. If you're a hands-on, energetic, and forward-thinking professional, this is the place for you. Being part of AO Group means we benefit from strong backing and long-term stability – and we’re proud to be profitable while making a positive impact on the environment.

As a Production Manager, you’ll focus your team – including Shift Coordinators, Supervisors, and Operatives – on delivering and exceeding key KPIs. You’ll provide leadership, guidance, coaching, and mentoring to help develop future leaders, retain talent, and deliver performance aligned to our budget and goals.

You’ll promote top-tier performance, quality, and safety, while maintaining environmental compliance and team wellbeing. With the fast-changing retail sector, your approach must ensure agility and capability in meeting fluctuating volumes. You’ll work closely with all departments (transport, offload, SHEQ, HR) to meet and exceed departmental targets and support the wider value chain. At AO, we work at pace – and we get results.

Here's What You Can Expect To Be Doing:

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you’ll manage the UK’s largest and most advanced fridge recycling facility. Built in 2017 with over £10M invested, your goal will be to increase productivity and implement smarter processes.

 You’ll lead and direct Processing Teams across four shifts to meet targets for safety, environment, quality, output, productivity, and cost. You’ll be accountable for performance on time, cost, and volume quality – with a proven track record in delivering improvements in these areas.

You’ll develop a team that’s focused on quality and efficiency in a safe, clean working environment using methods like 5S, KAIZEN, and other CI techniques. You’ll manage a Continuous Improvement programme in your department and coach others to create a CI culture.

You’ll ensure all activities comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations, working closely with SHEQ to build a world-class safety culture. You’ll also partner with Engineering to maintain an effective preventative maintenance programme.

Operational capability reviews will be key to your role, and you’ll be expected to generate action plans that drive improvement.

Applicants must have permanent UK work eligibility.

A Few Things About You:

Experience in automotive, aerospace, or FMCG manufacturing environments

Formal Six Sigma or equivalent qualification with solid 5S/Kaizen project experience

Proven management experience in fast-paced, high-growth environments

Clear contributions to KPIs, team accountability, and performance improvements

Strong focus on housekeeping and efficient use of space/resources

Demonstrable success managing large teams (50+), across shifts

Experience driving impactful change and showing ownership of operational outcomes

Strong leadership, team-building, and organisational skills

Analytical mindset with root cause analysis capability

Effective communicator with the confidence to challenge and drive improvement

Structured and detail-oriented approach

Evidence of developing and sustaining high-performing teams5+ years of operational experience, with 3+ at Manufacturing/Processing Manager level

Level 5 ILM (or equivalent through apprenticeship or other pathways)

WAMITAB desirable but not essential

IOSH qualified

Electrical/engineering background preferred

Experience in implementing process improvements and visual factory systems

A Bit About Us:

When it comes to appliances and electricals, we’ve got the lot. Washing machines? Yep. TVs? Check. Laptops? Absolutely. Everything except doorbells (just kidding, we’ve got those too).

We’re known for helping our customers brilliantly - and it’s no different for AOers. We care about more than what’s on your CV, because together we can do extraordinary things.

Our Benefits:

Our benefits are designed to cover the moments that matter to AOers. From health and wellness to giving back - you’ll be rewarded inside and outside of work

Holidays; 25 days, plus bank holidays (increasing to 27 days after 2 years with us!)

Free lunch once a month

Pension; Contribute 5% of your annual salary and we'll do the same, giving you a little extra support for the future

Be a VIP at the AO Arena; we have loads of opportunities to win free tickets and pre-sale access

Health & wellbeing; discounted gym membership, an onsite spa and our Help @ Hand scheme giving you access to virtual GP’s, Mental Health support and much more

Discounts; exclusive discounts across our product range

Family leave; Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption leave

Making a difference; 2 fully paid days a year to donate your time to any charity of your choice.

On site perks; start your day with free on site parking, grabbing a complimentary breakfast and a coffee at our subsidised Starbucks!

To see all our benefits and perks, visit our AO Benefits page