Laser and Press Brake Production Manager in Leicester

ADS Laser Cutting is a full-service metalwork specialist, offering laser cutting, folding, fabrication, finishing, and assembly services. We provide bespoke to volume sheet metal solutions for customers across engineering, transport, infrastructure, and manufacturing industries. Operating from an 87,000 sq. ft facility and employing over 100 people, ADS combines modern equipment with robust processes and experienced teams to deliver consistent quality, lead times, and service. Our work is trusted by major organisations across all industries. ADS is a family owned business that has grown year on year through continued investment in technology, systems, and people. This provides a stable, well supported platform for sales activity and long term customer development.

The Laser and Press Brake Production Manager is responsible for the end-to-end management of all laser cutting and folding (press brake) operations. The role ensures output meets customer quality requirements, delivery targets and cost expectations while driving utilisation, efficiency, reliability and continuous improvement across both departments. The role owns capacity planning, utilisation, quality, material flow, tooling, preventative maintenance, operator performance and departmental KPIs. The post holder acts as the technical and operational authority for laser cutting and folding and is accountable for performance across these functions.

• Production Planning & Delivery: Agree daily and weekly production plans with the Production Manager. Ensure laser and folding output supports overall On-Time Delivery (OTD). Balance workload across machines to maximise throughput and minimise changeovers. Sequence work to optimise machine loading and flow between laser and folding. Identify capacity constraints early and escalate risks proactively. Prevent laser or folding operations becoming bottlenecks to downstream processes.
• Laser & Folding Operations Management: Maximise utilisation and uptime across all laser and press brake machines. Ensure correct machine settings, tooling, programs and bend/cut methods are used. Own cut and fold quality including tolerances, edge condition, bend accuracy and cosmetic finish. Ensure first-off checks and in-process inspections are completed correctly. Reduce scrap and rework through process control and operator discipline. Drive consistency and repeatability across machines, shifts and operators.
• Material Flow, Tooling & Consumables: Own sheet material flow from goods-in through laser cutting to folding. Control material grades, thicknesses, traceability and identification. Drive improved sheet utilisation and remnant reuse. Own press brake tooling management including storage, maintenance and traceability. Monitor and reorder consumables in a cost-effective manner. Ensure efficient flow of WIP between departments and minimise handling damage.
• Preventative Maintenance & Equipment Reliability: Own preventative maintenance schedules for all laser and press brake equipment. Ensure daily, weekly and monthly checks are completed and recorded. Monitor downtime, repeat faults and breakdown trends. Coordinate with maintenance teams and suppliers to improve reliability. Drive improvements in machine uptime and performance.
• Cost Control & KPI Performance: Own departmental performance and cost control including: Utilisation and throughput, First-time accuracy, Scrap and rework reduction, Setup time reduction, Cost per cutting and folding hour, Consumables and tooling costs.
• Systems, Programming & Documentation: Ensure job packs are completed fully and accurately. Ensure accurate time booking within ERP/production systems (e.g. TruTops Fab). Control laser and folding programs and revision management. Ensure correct drawings and quantities are used at all times. Support programming and estimating teams with technical expertise and realistic time estimates. Resolve technical and customer-related manufacturing queries.
• Leadership & People Management: Lead, motivate and develop laser and press brake teams. Maintain skills matrices and training records. Monitor individual performance and set clear expectations and targets. Manage overtime, holidays, absence and training needs. Conduct informal and formal performance reviews and appraisals. Build a culture of accountability, quality and continuous improvement.
• Health, Safety & Compliance: Own health and safety within laser and folding areas. Ensure safe systems of work and risk assessments are followed. Ensure safe use of machines, tooling and handling equipment. Promote excellent housekeeping and disciplined working practices.
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Lead continuous improvement initiatives across both departments. Standardise best practice across machines, tooling and operators. Reduce setup times, waste and process variation. Improve accuracy, repeatability and efficiency through process control. Support the introduction of new tooling, technology and automation.

Skills, Experience & Personal Attributes

• Essential: Strong background in subcontract sheet metal or fabrication manufacturing. Significant experience in laser cutting and/or CNC press brake operations. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings. Experience managing production teams and manufacturing workflows. Strong understanding of quality, lean manufacturing and process control. Experience using ERP/MRP or production management systems. Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Personal Attributes: Organised, proactive and results-driven. Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality. Resilient and able to work under pressure. Self-motivated with a hands-on leadership style. Professional, honest and collaborative. Positive attitude towards innovation and change.

Benefits: Salary £40K - £50K pa DOE, Private Healthcare, Life assurance, Above statutory holiday entitlement with additional service linked holiday, 40 hour working week, Onsite gym, Pension scheme, Commitment to investing in training and development, Company provided workwear and PPE, Onsite parking, Staff canteen, Employee Assistance Program.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter highlighting relevant experience and why they are the ideal candidate for this position. STRICTLY NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES.