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 50000 - 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'll benefit from a supportive work culture that values continuous improvement and employee growth, alongside competitive benefits such as flexible working hours and generous annual leave. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence product development and operational performance while working with a highly experienced team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in Kettering
✨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 Interaction - Kettering, 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 Kettering
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 Interaction - Kettering 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 Interaction - Kettering
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Interaction - Kettering, 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 Interaction - Kettering 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.
