At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead assembly teams, ensure efficient production, and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Dynamic precision manufacturing company in Cambridge with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55,000 plus benefits and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hands-on role ideal for those who thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading teams and improving production processes.
- Qualifications: Experience in production leadership and familiarity with Lean principles required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a hands‑on Production Manager to lead two assembly departments within a precision manufacturing environment. The role is focused on output, people management, process control and continuous improvement. You will be responsible for delivering safe, consistent, and efficient production performance, while driving an embedded Lean culture across daily operations. This role suits someone who thrives on the shop floor, understands how to get the best out of teams, and knows how to introduce structure, standards and discipline without slowing the pace of manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & People
- Lead, coach and develop a team of assembly operators and team leads.
- Set clear expectations, performance targets and structured daily routines.
- Conduct performance reviews, training plans and skills development programs.
- Uphold and enforce safe working practices and compliance standards.
- Run daily tier meetings, ensuring targets, issues and improvements are visible and understood.
- Operational Delivery
- Ensure production plans are met on time, to quality, and at the required efficiency levels.
- Maintain accurate documentation including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and shift handover processes.
- Monitor WIP, stock usage and component availability; collaborate closely with planning and purchasing.
- Drive root cause analysis and structured problem‑solving to remove recurring issues.
- Manage production metrics (OEE, throughput, scrap, rework, downtime) and report performance trends clearly and honestly.
- Continuous Improvement
- Embed Lean tools such as visual management, standard work, 5S and waste reduction.
- Lead small‑to‑medium improvement projects that drive measurable cost, quality or output gains.
- Work closely with Operations Leadership to refine layout, process flow and labour deployment.
- Support implementation of preventive maintenance, equipment uptime improvement and shop floor reliability.
About You
Experience
- Track record in a Production / Manufacturing / Operations leadership role in an assembly or build environment.
- Demonstrable experience leading teams and improving operational performance.
- Familiarity with Lean principles (practical, not theoretical).
Skills & Approach
- Clear and confident communicator, able to hold people accountable.
- Comfortable being on the shop floor, not managing from behind a desk.
- Strong problem‑solving mentality — identifies root cause, implements fix, locks in change.
- Organised and structured, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities without losing control.
- Emotionally intelligent leader who can motivate, challenge and support.
Qualifications
- HND / Higher‑level vocational qualification or equivalent hands‑on manufacturing leadership experience.
Production Manager in Cambridge employer: Georgeblake
As a leading technology firm in Yeovil, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and ample opportunities for professional development, we are committed to supporting your career growth while you engage with cutting-edge technologies in a dynamic team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Research their values and how they operate on the shop floor. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led teams or improved processes. Be ready to share these during your interview to demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your achievements; show your passion for continuous improvement. Discuss how you've implemented Lean principles in past roles and the impact it had on production efficiency.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in leading teams. We want to see how you've coached and developed others, so share specific examples of how you've set clear expectations and driven performance.
Emphasise Continuous Improvement:We love candidates who are passionate about Lean principles! In your application, mention any projects or initiatives you've led that focused on process improvement and waste reduction. Show us how you’ve made a tangible impact in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for clarity in communication, so make sure your key achievements stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Georgeblake
✨Know Your Lean Principles
Since the role emphasises Lean culture, brush up on your knowledge of Lean tools and principles. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in improving efficiency and reducing waste.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership skills. Talk about how you've coached teams, set performance targets, and conducted training. Make sure to convey your ability to motivate and hold people accountable.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of specific instances where you identified root causes of issues and implemented effective solutions. This will demonstrate your proactive approach to operational challenges.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Production Metrics
Understand key production metrics like OEE, throughput, and scrap rates. Be prepared to discuss how you've monitored these in previous roles and how you used them to drive improvements in production performance.
