At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production activities and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join a well-established engineering firm known for innovative test and measurement equipment.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, life assurance, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and career progression into senior leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product development and operational performance in a forward-thinking team.
- Qualifications: Experience in production management and strong engineering knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum (DOE)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Interaction Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of a well-established engineering and manufacturing organisation for an experienced Production Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to join an innovative business with a long-standing reputation for designing and manufacturing specialist test and measurement equipment supplied to customers worldwide.
We're looking for a forward-thinking engineering leader who can bring modern manufacturing expertise, commercial awareness and strong people management skills to an established and highly experienced team. This is not a maintenance role – it's an opportunity to influence the future direction of products, processes and operational performance.
The Role
As Production Manager, you will be responsible for the end-to-end coordination of production activities, ensuring products are delivered on time, to the highest quality standards and within budget expectations. You will oversee operational delivery across purchasing, design support, production, warehousing, quality and customer fulfilment, while driving continuous improvement throughout the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end production and operational delivery
- Support mechanical, electrical and firmware development activities
- Oversee calibration, commissioning and global service support
- Manage buying, warehousing and fulfilment functions
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and quality standards
- Support product development and modernisation projects
- Contribute to IoT and machine connectivity integration initiatives
- Ensure compliance with evolving UK and European regulatory requirements
- Develop cost-effective sourcing strategies, including overseas supply chains
- Identify opportunities for aftermarket and service innovation
About You
The successful candidate will have a strong engineering background combined with production management experience and a desire to contribute strategically to future business growth. You will be comfortable working alongside experienced engineers, bringing fresh ideas, modern manufacturing knowledge and a collaborative leadership style.
Essential Experience
- Production, Manufacturing or Engineering Management experience
- Strong mechanical and/or electrical engineering knowledge
- Understanding of IoT, connectivity or smart systems
- Experience of overseas component sourcing and supplier management
- Knowledge of CE and UKCA compliance processes
- Continuous improvement and quality management experience
- Strong organisational and leadership skills
Personal Attributes
You will thrive in this role if you:
- Lead by listening, influencing and taking action
- Balance operational detail with strategic thinking
- Remain calm and adaptable when priorities change
- Challenge existing processes while respecting expertise
- Aspire to progress into senior leadership positions
Benefits
- 25–30 days annual leave (service related)
- Life assurance
- Group personal pension scheme
- Income protection
- Free on-site parking
- Flexible working hours
- Potential for international travel
Closing Date: 24th June 2026
For more information or to apply, please contact Interaction Recruitment today.
Production Manager in Kettering employer: Interaction - Kettering
Join a well-established engineering and manufacturing organisation in Kettering, Northamptonshire, where innovation meets tradition. As a Production Manager, you will be part of a collaborative work culture that values continuous improvement and employee growth, offering benefits such as flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and opportunities for international travel. This role not only allows you to influence the future of cutting-edge products but also positions you within a supportive team dedicated to excellence in quality and operational performance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in Kettering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their production processes and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share examples of how you've led teams through challenges and driven continuous improvement. Highlight your ability to balance operational detail with strategic thinking.
✨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 connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your production management experience and any relevant engineering background to show us you're the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven continuous improvement or managed teams effectively in the past, so we can see your potential impact.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, let us know how you lead by listening and influencing others. We want to see your collaborative approach and how you balance operational detail with strategic thinking.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quickly. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Interaction - Kettering
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering and production management knowledge. Understand the latest trends in IoT and smart systems, as well as the compliance processes like CE and UKCA. This will show that you're not just experienced but also forward-thinking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to listen, influence, and take action. Companies want to see that you can balance operational detail with strategic thinking, so be ready to discuss how you've done this in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Be ready to talk about specific initiatives you've implemented that drove continuous improvement and quality standards. This could include any innovative ideas you've brought to the table or how you've challenged existing processes while respecting the expertise of your team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's future direction, especially regarding product development and operational performance. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career aspirations.
