At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily production management and lead multi-skilled teams for operational excellence.
- Company: Join a well-established business experiencing global growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous improvement and hands-on leadership.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving production efficiency and quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing supervision and strong leadership skills.
This is a unique opportunity to join a well-established business at a time of global growth, you will be coming in as a key member of the management team.
Job Purpose
The Assistant Production Manager is a hands-on operational leader responsible for supporting the day-to-day management of production across two multi-batch material processing sites. The role ensures that production activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with production plans while maintaining the highest standards of quality, cost control, and customer order delivery. Working closely with the Production Manager, the successful candidate will lead small multi-skilled teams, drive continuous improvement, and actively contribute on the shop floor to achieve operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Production Operations
- Support the planning and execution of daily production activities across two manufacturing sites.
- Ensure production targets are achieved in accordance with the agreed production schedule.
- Monitor plant performance and resolve operational issues to minimise downtime.
- Maintain flexibility to respond to changing customer demands and production priorities.
- Provide hands-on operational support where required to ensure production objectives are met.
- Team Leadership
- Lead, motivate and develop small multi-skilled production teams.
- Allocate labour effectively to maximise productivity and operational efficiency.
- Coach team members to improve skills, performance and engagement.
- Promote a positive, accountable and collaborative working culture.
- Health, Safety & Environmental
- Champion a strong health and safety culture across both sites.
- Ensure compliance with all company policies, risk assessments and safe systems of work.
- Conduct workplace inspections and support accident and near-miss investigations.
- Ensure all personnel wear, use appropriate PPE, and follow safe working practices.
- Identify hazards and implement corrective actions to reduce operational risk.
- Quality
- Ensure products consistently meet customer specifications and quality standards.
- Monitor production quality and investigate non-conformances.
- Work with Quality and Technical teams to implement corrective and preventative actions.
- Promote a right-first-time approach throughout production operations.
- Cost Control & Continuous Improvement
- Support achievement of departmental cost targets through effective management of labour, materials and equipment.
- Reduce waste, improve efficiencies and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Monitor production performance against KPIs and recommend improvements.
- Assist with lean manufacturing initiatives and process optimisation.
- Stock & Materials Management
- Maintain accurate stock levels of raw materials, packaging and finished goods.
- Ensure effective stock rotation and minimise waste and obsolete inventory.
- Work closely with Purchasing and Stores to maintain material availability.
- Support regular stock counts and inventory accuracy across both sites.
- Communication
- Liaise with cross department functions such as Sales administration, Procurement and Accounts to ensure smooth operational performance.
- Provide regular production updates to senior management.
- Ensure clear communication between shifts and across both production sites.
Key Skills & Experience:
- Essential
- Previous experience in a supervisory or assistant management role within a manufacturing or material processing environment.
- Experience managing batch processing or multi-product manufacturing operations.
- Proven ability to lead and motivate small multi-skilled teams.
- Strong understanding of production planning and scheduling.
- Excellent knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and safe working practices.
- Experience managing production KPIs, quality standards and operational performance.
- Good stock control and inventory management experience.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to make decisions under pressure and prioritise workload effectively.
- Good IT skills including Microsoft Office.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to work across two manufacturing sites.
- Desirable
- IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
- Continuous Improvement experience.
- Experience within chemical, mineral, coatings, recycling or material processing industries.
- Forklift licence or other relevant plant operation qualifications.
Personal Attributes
- Hands-on leader who leads by example.
- Positive, proactive and resilient approach.
- Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Commercially aware with a focus on cost control.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Driven to continuously improve processes, people and performance.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Achievement of daily and weekly production plans.
- Health & Safety performance and compliance.
- Product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Labour productivity and equipment efficiency.
- Material yield and waste reduction.
- Inventory accuracy and stock control.
- Team engagement, attendance and development.
- Continuous improvement initiatives delivered.
For more information, please forward your CV and we can organise a confidential chat at a time to suit you.
Assistant Production Manager in Newcastle under Lyme employer: Dorchester Search & Selection
Join a dynamic team as a CNC Operator where your skills will be valued and nurtured in a supportive work environment. We offer competitive salaries, rotating shifts for work-life balance, and opportunities for professional growth through training and development. Located in a thriving industrial area, our company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Dorchester Search & Selection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Production Manager in Newcastle under Lyme
✨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 Dorchester Search & Selection, 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 Assistant Production Manager in Newcastle under Lyme
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 Dorchester Search & Selection 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 Dorchester Search & Selection
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Dorchester Search & Selection, 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 Dorchester Search & Selection 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.
