Production and Manufacturing Manager in Southampton

Role Description

Lead and manage day-to-day manufacturing activities across machining, foundry, and manufacture of high-performance propulsion systems including propellers, stern gear, and associated marine products for commercial, defence, and luxury yacht sectors worldwide. The Production and Manufacturing Manager at CJR Propulsion plays a critical leadership role within the business, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management and performance of manufacturing operations across multiple departments.

Operations

• Ensure operational performance, manufacturing efficiency, production targets, and delivery schedules are consistently achieved.

Production planning and scheduling

• Work closely with production planning, engineering, procurement, and sales teams to coordinate manufacturing priorities and workflow requirements.
• Assist with production scheduling, labour planning, and resource allocation to ensure efficient utilisation of personnel and equipment.

Foundry and engineering oversight

• Maintain oversight of non-ferrous foundry operations, CNC machining activities, and engineering manufacturing processes.
• Support technical problem solving and ensure manufacturing standards are maintained throughout all stages of production.

Quality monitoring and compliance

• Maintain high manufacturing and inspection standards throughout the business.
• Ensure compliance with internal quality procedures and ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Liaise with customer inspectors and classification societies where required.

Health and Safety compliance

• Promote and maintain a strong health & safety culture throughout all departments.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, legislation, risk assessments, and safe systems of work.
• Support investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives relating to safety performance.

Continuous improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, workflow, production output, and operational performance.
• Support the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and process optimisation activities throughout the business.

Resource Management

• Monitor and manage manufacturing resources including labour, equipment, tooling, materials, and consumables.
• Work closely with procurement and stores teams to ensure adequate stock levels and timely availability of production materials.

Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution

• Respond to production-related issues and operational challenges in a timely and effective manner.
• Work closely with shop floor personnel and management teams to identify root causes and implement corrective actions where required.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Lead, motivate, and support production personnel across multiple departments.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, communication, and high-performance standards throughout the manufacturing environment.
• Assist with staff development, mentoring, recruitment, and training activities where required.

Communication and Coordination

• Act as a key communication link between production departments, engineering, quality, procurement, and senior management teams.
• Maintain regular engagement with shop floor personnel to support operational performance and address manufacturing concerns proactively.

Equipment and Process Control

• Support the maintenance, calibration, and operational reliability of manufacturing equipment and tooling to ensure consistent production quality and compliance with manufacturing standards.

Customer and Inspector Liaison

• Support customer visits, audits, inspections, and liaison with classification societies and external inspectors where required.
• Maintain professional standards of communication and presentation throughout all interactions.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior manufacturing, production, or operations management role.
• Strong background within heavy engineering, marine engineering, foundry, aerospace, defence, or precision manufacturing industries.
• Good understanding of machining, castings, and engineering manufacturing processes.
• Experience managing multiple manufacturing departments and production teams.
• Strong organisational and leadership capability.
• Understanding of ISO 9001 quality systems and manufacturing compliance standards.
• Good knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and industrial best practice.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• A practical and hands‑on management approach.
• Experience working with classification societies such as Lloyd’s Register, DNV, or ABS would be advantageous.

Employment Package

• Job type: Permanent.
• Hours: 38 hours per week.
• Schedule: 7:30 – 4:00 Monday – Thursday. 7:30 – 2:00 Friday.
• Salary: competitive.
• Benefits: Company Pension, 25 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Location: Bittern, Southampton.