At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in multi-line trailer assembly and galvanising operations.
- Company: Join a family-owned business with a rich heritage and innovative spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, and investment in your professional development.
- Other info: Enjoy the stunning North Wales scenery while advancing your career.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a challenging and rewarding manufacturing leadership role.
- Qualifications: Experience in production leadership and continuous improvement methodologies.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Lead the Cynwyd site where 18 different IWT trailer product lines are assembled, and all internally manufactured components are processed through an in‑house galvanising plant. One of the most operationally varied site leadership roles you will find in UK manufacturing.
As Production Manager you have full accountability for the leadership, performance and continuous improvement of a multi‑line trailer manufacturing site and galvanising plant. You will own safety, quality, cost and delivery across every part of site operations trailer assembly across 18 product lines, the galvanising plant and the printing operation making sure the site consistently hits its targets and ships product that meets and exceeds customer expectations.
You will lead an experienced group of Team Leaders and production operatives, partner closely with engineering, materials and quality, and drive an On Time and Right First Time culture that does not pass faults forward to the next process or to the customer. The site operates Monday to Friday with a Saturday morning shift.
What you will be responsible for:
- Site‑wide leadership of trailer assembly, galvanising plant and print operations, hitting safety, quality, cost and delivery targets every day.
- Production schedules On Time aligned to customer demand and business targets across 18 product lines.
- A strong Health & Safety culture: a workplace free of hazards, with employees working in a way that protects themselves and their colleagues.
- A Right First Time culture, embedded across the site, faults are caught and corrected, not passed forward.
- Product quality that meets and exceeds customer expectations, working with the quality team to reduce defects, rework and customer complaints.
- Continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable and sustained gains in productivity, quality and cost.
- Operational cost control through efficient use of materials, people and capital.
- Site resource allocation and stock accuracy.
- A high‑performing manufacturing leadership team, the right people, with the right skills, in the right places.
What we are looking for:
- Senior production or site leadership experience in trailer, vehicle or comparable multi‑line assembly manufacturing, ideally with adjacent process operations such as galvanising, paint, plating or finishing.
- Demonstrable Continuous Improvement methodology applied at scale, with measurable and sustained results.
- A track record on the SQCDP fundamentals, safety, quality, cost, delivery and people, with the ability to drive performance and continuous improvement.
- Operational ownership and cost control, confidence with both the numbers and the operational levers behind them.
- Health & Safety leadership in a manufacturing setting, including experience of process‑plant operations.
- A genuine record of developing Team Leaders and building a strong shop‑floor culture and achieving excellence within Manufacturing.
The behaviours that matter most:
- Accountability and ownership. You own the output, the quality, the safety and the people performance. When things go wrong, you act fast, decide on data, and fix at root cause.
- Direct people leadership. You hold the team to a high standard. You address underperformance promptly and constructively, and you invest seriously in developing the next generation of manufacturing leaders.
- Calm under pressure. Manufacturing operations will be challenging, but you will remain calm and decisive, isolate the problem, make data‑driven decisions that are communicated clearly and with authority.
- Customer mindset. You see what leaves the site through the customer’s eyes and that drives standards across every production line and within the galvanising plant and print room.
- Open, honest, and willing to raise risks and concerns without delay or hesitation, and you welcome the same from your team.
Why IWTA: A family‑owned business with the heritage and stability of a family firm and the scale and complexity to genuinely test a senior site leader. Founded in 1958, with five advanced manufacturing sites across North Wales, and with customers across the UK, Europe and beyond.
The role offers real breadth multi‑line assembly, process‑plant operations, finishing, people development and operational performance all under one site leader. North Wales is an outstanding place to live and work, with the coast and Eryri (Snowdonia) on the doorstep and Liverpool and Manchester just over an hour away.
We offer a competitive senior‑leadership salary (details on application), pension, genuine investment in continuing professional development, and a leadership role with real authority and the resources to deliver against it.
Production Manager in London employer: Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd
IWTA is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a diverse manufacturing site in North Wales, where you can make a significant impact on safety, quality, and operational performance. With a strong commitment to employee development and a supportive work culture, you will thrive in a family-owned business that values accountability and continuous improvement, all while enjoying the stunning natural surroundings and vibrant communities nearby. The role not only provides competitive compensation but also the chance to shape the future of multi-line assembly and galvanising operations.
Contact Details:
Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd Recruitment Team
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 Ifor Williams Trailers 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 Ifor Williams Trailers 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 Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Ifor Williams Trailers 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 Ifor Williams Trailers 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.
