At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the operational heart of a leading trailer manufacturer and oversee complex manufacturing processes.
- Company: Join Ifor Williams Trailers, a family-owned business with a rich heritage and innovative spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, professional development, and leadership authority.
- Other info: Enjoy living in beautiful North Wales, close to stunning landscapes and vibrant cities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing future manufacturing leaders.
- Qualifications: Senior production or operations leadership experience in component manufacturing is essential.
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 IWT
A 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 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, we provide a supportive environment where you can thrive as a senior operations leader. Enjoy competitive salaries, a robust pension scheme, and the chance to work in a family-owned business that values its heritage while embracing innovation and growth.
Contact Details:
Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager - Ty’n Llidiart
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and values, especially if you're eyeing a role like Production Manager. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on showcasing your leadership skills and problem-solving abilities, as these are key for a senior role in manufacturing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager - Ty’n Llidiart
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Manager role. Highlight your experience in component manufacturing and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and specific examples to demonstrate your impact on production efficiency, quality improvements, or team leadership. We love seeing measurable results!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit for IWT. We want to feel your enthusiasm and see your personality come through.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Ifor Williams Trailers!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Production Manager, you'll need to be confident with data. Brush up on your understanding of OEE, capital equipment performance, and production planning metrics. Be ready to discuss how you've used these numbers to drive improvements in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills. Prepare examples that demonstrate how you've developed teams and addressed underperformance. Highlight your approach to building a culture of continuous improvement and how you’ve led teams through challenging situations.
✨Understand the Manufacturing Process
Familiarise yourself with the specific manufacturing processes mentioned in the job description, like laser cutting and robotic welding. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these processes will show your technical expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you've had to act quickly to resolve issues in a manufacturing setting. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
