At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the operational heart of a leading trailer manufacturer and oversee component production.
- Company: Ifor Williams Trailers, a family-owned business with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, professional development, and leadership authority.
- Other info: Enjoy living in beautiful North Wales, close to coast and mountains.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic manufacturing environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Senior production or operations leadership experience in manufacturing and strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Role type: Permanent.
Summary: Components Manufacturing
Reports to: Group Head of Manufacturing and Chief Operating Officer
About the role
Lead the operational heart of Ifor Williams Trailers — the UK and Europe’s leading trailer manufacturer. Our Components Site at Corwen is the largest supplier to our trailer assembly lines, and we are looking for an exceptional senior operations leader to run it.
As Production Manager – Components Manufacturing, you will oversee the Components Site, the largest supplier for our downstream trailer assembly sites. The site houses laser cutting machines, turret punching machines, press brakes, pack saws, vertical CNC machining centres, robotic welding cells and a manual welding department. You will sequence and manage these to produce fabricated trailer assemblies and components, delivering safe, high‑quality, efficient component manufacturing that meets the demand of every IWT trailer line right first time, on time and in full, at a cost that supports business growth and capital reinvestment plans.
This senior leadership role has full accountability for the performance, quality and safety of all vertically integrated component manufacturing in your remit. You will lead manufacturing leaders across multiple departments within the components site, own the production plan, drive manufacturing performance and root‑cause problem solving, and act as the single point of accountability for getting components to assembly when assembly needs them.
What you will be responsible for:
- Safe, high-quality, on‑time output across every department within the Components Site.
- Production planning, scheduling and material flow across complex, sequenced operations.
- OEE and uptime across high‑value capital equipment, with capex business cases that anticipate growth and deliver strong returns.
- Quality, root‑cause problem solving, cost‑of‑quality and material‑waste programmes.
- Continuous Improvement embedded within the culture as a way of working.
- A high‑performing manufacturing leadership team, the right people, with the right skills, in the right places.
- Health & Safety leadership and cross‑functional partnership with Design, Engineering, Quality and HR.
What we are looking for:
- Senior production or operations leadership in component manufacturing, fabrication, pressing, machining, welding, sub‑assembly or similar disciplines.
- Demonstrable Continuous Improvement methodology, applied at scale, with measurable and sustained results.
- Strong track record on OEE and capital equipment performance, minimising downtime, maximising output.
- Production planning in multi‑line environments with complex inter‑dependencies and supply pressures.
- Operational ownership and cost control, confidence with both the numbers and the operational levers behind them.
- Health & Safety leadership in a manufacturing setting, with a credible track record of compliance and culture‑building.
- Leading and developing manufacturing leaders, with a track record of building a culture of improvement and achieving excellence.
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, you isolate the problem, make data driven decisions that are communicated clearly and with authority.
- Open, honest, and willing to raise risks and concerns without delay or hesitation, and you welcome the same from your team.
Why IWTA family‑owned business with the heritage and stability of a family firm and the scale and complexity to genuinely test a senior operations 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, capital projects, NPI, vertical integration, people development and operational performance, all under one remit.
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, pension, genuine investment in continuing professional development, and a leadership role with real authority and the resources to deliver against it.
Production Manager - Ty’n Llidiart in London employer: Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd
Ifor Williams Trailers is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the operational heart of the UK's leading trailer manufacturer in the picturesque setting of North Wales. With a strong commitment to employee development, a culture of continuous improvement, and a focus on safety and quality, you will thrive in a supportive environment that values accountability and innovation. The role not only provides competitive compensation and benefits but also the chance to make a significant impact within a family-owned business that has been a cornerstone of the community since 1958.
Contact Details:
Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager - Ty’n Llidiart in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager - Ty’n Llidiart 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.
