Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily manufacturing operations and ensure high-quality production across multiple departments.
- Company: DudleyNuttall is a leading manufacturing company known for innovative products and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, profit share bonus, enhanced pension, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and making a real impact in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in a senior production role with strong leadership and manufacturing knowledge required.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive workplace.
Production Lead
Have you got the right qualifications and skills for this job Find out below, and hit apply to be considered.
Dudley
Nuttall is a well-established manufacturing company based in Dudley, renowned for delivering high-quality, innovative products across various sectors. We pride ourselves on a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and technical excellence.
As we grow, we’re looking for an experienced and results-driven Production Lead to oversee daily manufacturing operations across multiple departments including CNC machining, metal pressing, wood assembly, and powder coating. This role is pivotal in ensuring seamless production workflows, high-quality output, and alignment with client expectations-particularly for high-profile retail customers.
Reporting to senior leadership, you will lead departmental supervisors and team leaders to optimise operational performance, drive continuous improvement, and uphold the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency.
Why join us?
* Salary: Up to ÂŁ35,000 DOE
* Annual tax-free profit share bonus (up to ÂŁ3,600)
* Enhanced 8% employer pension contribution
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays, rising to 29 days
* Life Assurance Scheme 3 X salary)
* Enhanced Illness, Maternity, Paternity, and Bereavement leave
* Wellbeing support including Employee Assistance Programme & Mental Health Champions
* Partner Voice Groups to influence business decisions
Production Lead – Key Responsibilities and Tasks:
Production & Operations Management
* Lead daily cross-functional production planning meetings to set clear targets, allocate resources effectively, and ensure alignment across all departments.
* Oversee the full production lifecycle to ensure smooth handovers between departments and minimise bottlenecks.
* Supervise and coordinate daily activities across Welding, Press Shop, Press Brake, and Paint Shop areas.
* Utilise the company’s IBS system for workload planning and scheduling, ensuring adherence to production timelines and delivery commitments.
* Assign tasks, monitor progress, and provide day-to-day direction to operators, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and quality of output.
* Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and production plans to guide manufacturing activities and troubleshoot discrepancies.
* Monitor and improve key performance indicators such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and throughput; conduct root cause analyses and implement corrective actions where needed.
* Maintain accurate records of production output, quality metrics, downtime, and workforce performance to support operational reporting and improvement efforts.
* Identify equipment issues and coordinate with maintenance teams to minimise downtime and ensure continuity of operations.
* Ensure strict adherence to approved methods, technical specifications, and quality standards across all areas.
* Maintain and update SOPs, risk assessments, and hazard documentation, ensuring compliance and staff awareness.
* Collaborate closely with Planning, Design, Purchasing, and Project teams to resolve production challenges and maintain alignment with client and business requirements.
* Respond proactively to changes in demand, customer priorities, or operational disruptions.
Production Lead
Leadership & Team Development
Provide strong leadership to department supervisors and team leaders, ensuring performance aligns with business objectives.
Conduct daily team briefings to communicate goals, operational updates, and company initiatives.
Monitor team and individual performance against KPIs, implementing performance management actions where required.
Manage appraisals, development plans, and training programs for direct reports; support onboarding and upskilling of new team members and apprentices.
Identify skill gaps and coordinate training initiatives in collaboration with HR and external providers.
Address performance, disciplinary, and attendance issues in accordance with company policies.
Approve and manage holiday schedules to ensure adequate staffing and uninterrupted production.
Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance
Foster a proactive, safety-first culture across all departments.
Ensure full compliance with PPE, COSHH, risk assessments, and company HS&E policies.
Lead investigations into incidents, near misses, and safety concerns, and follow through with preventative measures.
Promote clean, organised workspaces aligned with 5S or similar lean methodologies.
Work with the QEHS team to uphold environmental compliance and effective waste management practices.
Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
Champion “right first time” quality practices; ensure consistent execution of first-off and in-process checks.
Collaborate with Quality Control and Customer Service teams to address non-conformances and customer complaints, driving corrective and preventive actions.
Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives targeting efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Recommend improvements to production systems, workflows, tooling, and layouts to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
Production Lead Person Specification / Essential Skills & Experience
5+ years’ experience in a senior production or operations role within manufacturing or shopfitting-ideally with exposure to high-volume retail clients.
Proven leadership experience managing supervisors and cross-functional production teams.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations including CNC, metalwork, powder coating, and wood assembly.
Hands-on experience managing OEE and other productivity metrics.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints.
Expertise in production scheduling, workflow optimisation, and lean manufacturing practices.
Strong safety management experience including risk assessments and incident response.
Proficient in manufacturing systems (IBS or equivalent ERP/MRP platforms).
IOSH or NEBOSH certified in Health & Safety.
Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent is desirable.
Nuttall is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our Partners.
Notes: We appreciate all applications, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Please note we are not working with recruitment agencies for this role.
We are unable to sponsor work visas, all applicants will need to have the right to work in the UK in place
Production Lead employer: DCA Recruitment
Contact Detail:
DCA Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with DudleyNuttall's production processes and technologies. Understanding their specific operations, such as CNC machining and powder coating, will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of DudleyNuttall on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing cross-functional teams. Highlight specific examples where you've driven continuous improvement and operational efficiency, as these are key aspects of the Production Lead role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends in manufacturing and lean practices. Being knowledgeable about current industry standards and innovations will demonstrate your commitment to excellence and your ability to contribute to DudleyNuttall's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in production and operations management. Focus on your leadership roles, particularly in manufacturing settings, and include specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to optimise workflows and improve efficiency.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention DudleyNuttall's commitment to quality and continuous improvement, and explain how your skills and experiences align with their needs, especially in managing cross-functional teams.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, emphasise your knowledge of manufacturing operations, including CNC machining and lean practices. Be sure to mention any certifications you hold, such as IOSH or NEBOSH, as these are crucial for the Production Lead role.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Detail your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully managed teams. Provide examples of how you've conducted performance management, training initiatives, and team development, as these are key responsibilities for the position at DudleyNuttall.
How to prepare for a job interview at DCA Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Production Lead, you'll be expected to manage teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your ability to motivate and develop team members.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the specific manufacturing processes mentioned in the job description, such as CNC machining and powder coating. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and how it relates to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle production challenges. Think of scenarios where you've improved efficiency or resolved conflicts within a team.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The company values continuous improvement, so be prepared to discuss any initiatives you've led or participated in that enhanced productivity or quality. Highlight your understanding of lean manufacturing principles.
