At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead luxury manufacturing operations, ensuring top-notch craftsmanship and quality.
- Company: Prestigious luxury manufacturing business known for exceptional quality and bespoke service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a focus on continuous improvement.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop skills in a high-performance culture with a focus on safety and quality.
- Why this job: Join a team that values craftsmanship and operational excellence in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in Manufacturing Engineering or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
As the Production Manager, you will lead the manufacturing operations of a prestigious luxury manufacturing business renowned for exceptional craftsmanship, uncompromising quality, and bespoke customer service. You will combine modern manufacturing excellence with traditional artisan skills to ensure the efficient production of premium handmade products. The role requires a highly visible operational leader with a strong background in manufacturing, continuous improvement, and people management, capable of driving performance whilst preserving the craftsmanship and quality standards synonymous with a luxury brand. You will be accountable for production output, labour utilisation, material efficiency, quality performance, and health and safety, while developing a culture of continuous improvement, engagement, and operational excellence.
Main Duties:
- Operational Leadership
- Lead all daily production activities to ensure delivery of agreed output, quality, service, and cost objectives.
- Develop and execute production plans that align manufacturing capacity with customer demand and business priorities.
- Ensure products are manufactured to the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality expected within a luxury manufacturing environment.
- Monitor operational performance through KPIs and implement corrective actions where required.
- Collaborate closely with Planning, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, and Commercial teams to optimise operational performance.
- Manufacturing Engineering & Continuous Improvement
- Apply Lean Manufacturing and Manufacturing Engineering principles to improve workflow, productivity, and operational efficiency.
- Analyse production processes and identify opportunities to remove waste, reduce non-value-added activities, and improve throughput.
- Optimise workshop layouts, workstation design, material flows, and production sequencing.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, lead time reduction, quality enhancement, and cost control.
- Establish measurable performance standards and promote a culture of operational excellence and accountability.
- Materials & Cost Management
- Drive improvements in material utilisation across luxury fabrics, fillings, timber, upholstery components, and packaging materials.
- Identify opportunities to reduce waste while maintaining product quality and brand standards.
- Monitor production costs and work closely with procurement and operations teams to improve manufacturing efficiency.
- Ensure accurate inventory usage and support stock control processes.
- Production Planning & Systems
- Utilise SAP and associated manufacturing systems to support production planning, labour deployment, scheduling, and performance reporting.
- Ensure accurate production data is captured and analysed to support informed decision-making.
- Develop capacity plans to support fluctuations in demand while maintaining operational efficiency.
- Ensure resources, equipment, and labour are effectively allocated to meet business requirements.
- People Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a team, ensuring clear accountability and strong succession planning.
- Create a high-performance culture focused on safety, quality, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
- Manage workforce planning, shift allocation, and labour deployment across the workforce.
- Develop training plans to enhance technical skills, cross-functional flexibility, and artisan craftsmanship.
- Support apprentice development programmes and knowledge transfer of traditional manufacturing techniques.
- Conduct performance reviews and manage disciplinary, grievance, attendance, and capability matters in accordance with company policies.
- Quality & Customer Excellence
- Champion a quality-first culture that reflects the standards of a luxury manufacturing business.
- Ensure all products consistently meet internal specifications and customer expectations.
- Investigate quality issues and implement robust corrective and preventive actions.
- Work closely with Quality teams to drive right-first-time manufacturing and reduce rework.
- Health, Safety & Environment
- Maintain the highest standards of Health & Safety throughout the manufacturing operation.
- Ensure compliance with all legal requirements, company policies, and safe working practices.
- Promote and maintain world-class housekeeping standards through the implementation of 5S principles.
- Lead risk reduction initiatives and ensure all incidents are thoroughly investigated and addressed.
KPIs
- Labour efficiency (%)
- Production volume achieved vs target
- Quality defect rate
- Safety, accident and near miss reporting
Qualifications
- Degree, HND, or equivalent experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
- Lean Manufacturing qualification (Lean Practitioner, Six Sigma, CI qualification or equivalent) desirable.
- Health & Safety qualification desirable.
Essential Experience
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior manufacturing leadership role managing large production teams of 100+ employees.
- Proven track record of delivering operational improvements within a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrable experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Strong experience in production planning, workforce management, and performance optimisation.
- Experience using SAP or equivalent ERP systems.
Desirable Experience
- Experience managing skilled craftspeople within a quality-focused production environment.
- Exposure to both traditional hand-crafted and modern manufacturing techniques.
Production Manager in London employer: DK Recruitment Ltd
Join a dynamic and supportive team as a Warehouse Supervisor Nightshift, where your leadership will drive success in a fast-paced environment. We offer competitive benefits, a culture of collaboration, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all while working in a state-of-the-art facility that values innovation and employee well-being. Experience the unique advantage of being part of a company that prioritises work-life balance and invests in your future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in London
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like DK Recruitment Ltd, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to DK Recruitment Ltd specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at DK Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with DK Recruitment Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like DK Recruitment Ltd value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
