Production Manager

Job Responsibilities

• Ensure that all products are manufactured in accordance with customer specifications and delivered on time through the efficient use of labour and resources.
• Monitor and manage all cost centre budgets under your remit, including production activities such as stock levels, material usage and control, waste management, and productivity.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement programs, including one‑piece flow, Kaizen, target costing, Kanban, 6S, and process analysis.
• Collaborate closely with the Quality, R&D, and Production Engineering departments to ensure processes operate at optimum efficiency, continuously seeking to improve methods, procedures, and operations within your area of responsibility.
• Take ownership of and maintain all Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) activities.
• Maintain and manage production‑related computer systems to ensure accurate reporting and data provision for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure that Manufacturing maintains its Quality Assurance accreditations by complying with all quality and company procedures, standards, and manuals, while always promoting continuous improvement.
• Ensure effective resource allocation and utilisation in line with agreed budgetary targets and business needs, in compliance with all relevant policies and procedures.
• Achieve operational and strategic targets within the business unit, including productivity, cost efficiency, and process optimisation.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, motivate, and support Production Supervisors and operational staff to achieve departmental goals.
• Partner with the HR Department to identify and address staff training and development needs through the company’s performance review process.
• Ensure all employment relations policies and procedures are implemented and adhered to.
• Oversee the day‑to‑day management of production staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and engagement.
• In collaboration with HR, recruit and onboard production staff (including temporary personnel) in line with operational requirements.
• Demonstrate a pragmatic, hands‑on leadership style, maintaining a visible presence on the production floor.

Communication

• Ensure clear, consistent, and effective communication across teams and individuals.
• Hold regular team meetings to cascade relevant business information and promote engagement across all levels.
• Foster strong working relationships with shift leaders, internal departments, and both internal and external customers.

Health & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with all Health & Safety (H&S) regulations and practices to safeguard employees, visitors, and contractors.
• Work closely with the H&S Manager to support risk assessments, accident investigations, and reporting procedures.

General Responsibilities

• Comply with all Health & Safety, environmental, and company policies and procedures.
• Take responsibility for personal development by identifying training needs and maintaining performance in line with company standards.
• Deliver seamless service and collaboration with both internal and external customers.

Shared Responsibilities

• Comply with the Business Information Centre (BIC) requirements and minimise environmental impact while performing their duties.
• Promote and maintain safe working conditions for all employees, visitors, and contractors through adherence to occupational health and safety standards.
• Embed our WeLEAD competencies: I build trust, I create value for the customer, I enable others, I provide direction, I embrace diversity, I deliver results.

Reporting Relationships

• Head of Operations

Size of team/environment

• 4 Supervisors, with approximately 70 General Operators working in a production shopfloor environment.

Your Qualifications

• Certificate in Operations Management or Certificate in Management Studies.
• Desirable but not essential – Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or significant practical deployment of lean manufacturing techniques, process improvements, and proactive quality management.

Related Experience

• Experience working in a manufacturing industry or related field, including strategic thinking, market knowledge and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Previous experience in volume manufacturing and assembly needed.

Skills, Special Competencies

• Be familiar with and have practical experience of lean manufacturing production techniques, process improvement and proactive quality management.
• Proven Lean Manufacturing background with experience in working to ISO9001/18001 standards.
• Driven by targets and have a strong commitment to quality output.
• Strong people management skills, with ability to focus and drive staff to achieve results in a pressurised environment to strict deadlines.
• Be self‑motivated and confident when taking responsibility for all areas of work.
• Sound decision making and problem‑solving skills.
• Concise in delegation, numerate and with good written and presentational skills supported by an analytical and evaluation approach to problem solving.
• Competent with Microsoft computer packages.
• A team player with excellent motivational leadership skills.
• Have the drive and desire to drive forward improvements to ensure Company continues to manufacture high quality products.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays, with option to purchase up to 3 additional days.
• Banked hours.
• Discounted critical illness cover, dental cover and partner life assurance.
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Subsidised canteen.
• Discounted shopping & leisure vouchers.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme.
• Cycle to Work.
• Gym membership discounts – up to 25%.
• Charity Giving scheme.

EEO Statement

We ensure candidates with the required qualifications and experience will be considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. All are welcome to apply!

How to Apply

Please apply directly through our career portal. We look forward to receiving your application.