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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production teams, manage schedules, and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Axis, a forward-thinking company committed to teamwork and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a positive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while fostering a culture of growth and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing, strong communication skills, and a data-driven mindset.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of positivity and integrity while driving operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Production Manager is responsible for delivering the production schedule through effective planning, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. Working closely with Planning, Auto Assembly, and other departments, this role ensures efficient workflow, strong communication, and high team performance aligned with Axis’ values, mission, and vision. This role also plays a key part in driving continuous improvement (CI), innovation, and standardisation across the Finishing Cells, while upholding world-class quality standards and creating a positive, development-focused team culture. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- People Management & Development
- Understand individual team member strengths/weaknesses and apply training plans based on PDRs and gap-to-forecast analysis.
- Support a high-performing, cross-trained, and flexible workforce that aligns with company goals.
- Develop succession plans for leaders and technicians in the cell.
- Promote a positive culture, focused on development, accountability, and team engagement.
- Ensure underperformance is addressed appropriately using the appropriate tools.
- Encourage a culture of open dialogue, positive reinforcement, and challenge.
- Schedule & Workflow Execution
- Understand, interrogate, interpret, and flex to deliver the production schedule using IFS (ERP) system to meet customer demand.
- Liaise closely with Planning and Assembly to ensure business-wide schedule alignment.
- Monitor schedule adherence and ensure proactive escalation for bottlenecks or constraints.
- Maintain strong forward planning for short-, mid-, and long-term workload visibility.
- Communication & Collaboration
- Build strong cross-functional relationships to break down business silos.
- Ensure clear, effective communication of exceptions, problems, and outcomes across stakeholders.
- Promote a mindset of ‘finding ways we CAN’ rather than barriers to progress.
- Continuous Improvement & Innovation
- Driving a continuous improvement culture within the business using industry standard tools to maintain world class quality.
- Actively contribute to the development of meaningful KPIs that drive the right behaviours and support strategic goals.
- Champion 5S – ensure regular audits and audit scores of 5 across the area.
- Promote safety and report all incidents and near misses promptly.
- Participate in GEMBA walks and drive operational discipline.
Person Specification
- Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
- Strong working knowledge of lean manufacturing and CI frameworks.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across all levels.
- Data-driven mindset with the ability to interpret, challenge, and act on information.
- High standards of quality, compliance, and safety.
- Strong cross-functional mindset and ability to drive collaborative problem-solving.
- Competent in planning systems and tools (e.g., IFS or equivalent ERP).
At Axis we expect every employee to commit to our Teamship Rules:
- Caring: for each other, our customers, our suppliers and all other stakeholders.
- Hardworking: with diligence, creativity, and by going the extra mile.
- Integrity: through honesty with oneself and with others.
- Positivity: a can-do attitude.
- Synergy: a united front as team Axis.
Apply now.
Production Manager in Bedford employer: Cicor Group
Contact Detail:
Cicor Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Production Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opening or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Since Axis values teamwork and positivity, think of examples from your past that showcase your leadership skills and how you've fostered a collaborative environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your continuous improvement mindset! Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've driven CI initiatives in previous roles. This will demonstrate your alignment with Axis' mission and your ability to contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the Axis team.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in production management. We want to see how your skills align with our values and the specific responsibilities of the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about people management, don’t forget to include examples of how you've developed teams and driven performance. We love seeing real-life stories that demonstrate your leadership style!
Highlight Continuous Improvement Experience: We’re keen on candidates who can drive CI initiatives. Share any relevant projects or tools you’ve used to enhance processes and quality standards in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cicor Group
✨Know Your Production Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the production processes and workflows relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement frameworks, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences in a manufacturing environment. Think of specific examples where you've developed team members or improved team performance, and be ready to explain how you foster a positive culture focused on development and accountability.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice clear and concise communication. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to build strong cross-functional relationships, so think about how you can convey complex information simply and effectively during the interview.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Highlight your experience with driving continuous improvement initiatives. Be ready to discuss specific KPIs you've developed or used, and how you've championed practices like 5S in your previous roles to maintain high-quality standards.
