At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage workshop operations, ensuring smooth production and high standards.
- Company: Specialist engineering manufacturer with a focus on high-quality products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stable long-term opportunity, and supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a visible role with genuine influence over production.
- Qualifications: Mechanical engineering background and experience managing a workshop team.
- Other info: Hands-on role in a dynamic shop-floor environment with opportunities for improvement.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
A specialist engineering manufacturer operating in a highly technical environment is looking to appoint an experienced Workshop / Production Manager to take responsibility for its manufacturing operation. The business produces high-quality engineered products and is continuing to grow. This role is key to ensuring the workshop runs smoothly day‑to‑day, with strong leadership, clear planning, and a hands‑on approach.
The Role
This is a practical, workshop‑based position where you will manage people, machines, and workflow. You will oversee production activity, maintain standards, and make sure work is delivered safely, efficiently, and on time. While you won’t be expected to machine full‑time, you must have the technical understanding and credibility to lead experienced engineers.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage workshop personnel, setting clear expectations and maintaining high standards
- Plan and organise daily workflow to meet production schedules and deadlines
- Oversee CNC and manual machining, fabrication and finishing activities
- Ensure health & safety and housekeeping standards are consistently met
- Coordinate materials, resources, and external suppliers as required
- Work closely with internal teams to support smooth production delivery
Experience & Background
- Mechanical engineering background (apprenticeship or equivalent experience)
- Previous experience managing or supervising a workshop or production team
- Strong understanding of CNC machining and general manufacturing processes
- Confident communicator with a practical, organised approach
- Comfortable working in a hands‑on, shop‑floor‑led environment
What’s on Offer
- Salary in the region of £40,000–£45,000 depending on experience
- Stable, long‑term opportunity within a specialist engineering business
- Visible role with genuine influence over production and performance
- Supportive team environment with scope to make improvements
- On‑site role based in the Newton Abbot area
If you’re an experienced workshop professional who enjoys leading from the front and wants a role where you can make a real difference, this opportunity is well worth a conversation.
Workshop/Production Manager employer: Absolute Sales
Contact Detail:
Absolute Sales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Workshop/Production Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mechanical engineering field. Attend industry events or workshops where you can meet potential employers and showcase your skills. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to workshop management and CNC machining. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! When discussing your background, highlight specific projects where you led teams or improved production processes. This will demonstrate your practical knowledge and leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Workshop/Production Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your mechanical engineering background and any previous workshop management roles to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or improved production processes in the past, so we can see your hands-on approach in action.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since we’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of CNC machining and manufacturing processes, don’t shy away from mentioning any relevant technical skills or certifications you have. This will help us see your credibility as a leader.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Absolute Sales
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, especially around CNC machining and manufacturing processes. Being able to discuss technical details confidently will show that you have the credibility to lead experienced engineers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you set clear expectations or improved workflow. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and maintain high standards in a workshop environment.
✨Plan for the Day
Before the interview, think about how you would organise daily workflows to meet production schedules. Be ready to discuss your approach to planning and how you ensure efficiency and safety in the workshop.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. As a Workshop/Production Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with both your team and other departments. Show that you're comfortable leading discussions and coordinating with others.