Production / Shop Floor Manager

Company Overview

Jack Nicholas Group is a leading UK manufacturer specialising in precision metal fabrication, bespoke steelwork, and architectural metal solutions. With decades of experience and a commitment to quality craftsmanship, we support a wide range of industries including construction, industrial, commercial, and retail.

Our fully equipped fabrication facility, skilled workforce, and customer-first approach enable us to deliver high-quality components, assemblies, and custom-engineered products. As the business continues to grow, we are looking for a hands-on, proactive Production / Shop Floor Manager to lead our manufacturing team and support operational excellence.

Role Overview

The Production / Shop Floor Manager is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. This is a key leadership role within a busy steel fabrication environment, requiring strong organisational skills, effective team management, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Oversee daily shop floor operations to meet production schedules, customer deadlines, and quality expectations.
• Plan, prioritise, and coordinate workloads to maximise output and minimise downtime.
• Allocate resources effectively, adjusting staffing and workflow as needed.
• Ensure machinery, tools, and fabrication equipment are used and maintained correctly.

Team Leadership

• Lead and supervise production staff including fabricators, welders, machine operators, and general shop floor personnel.
• Conduct daily briefings, communicate goals, and resolve operational issues promptly.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and ongoing staff development.
• Manage performance, attendance, and workplace conduct in line with company policies.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all products meet required specifications and quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, rework, and bottlenecks.
• Maintain accurate production data and report KPIs including output, scrap, and productivity.
• Support internal and external audits and uphold quality assurance processes.

Health & Safety

• Enforce safe working practices and ensure compliance with legislation and company procedures.
• Carry out routine safety inspections, toolbox talks, and risk assessments.
• Promote a strong safety culture and address hazards proactively.

Coordination & Communication

• Work closely with planning, engineering, purchasing, and management teams to ensure smooth workflow throughout the factory.
• Provide clear and timely updates on production progress, challenges, and resource needs.
• Support new product introductions, prototypes, and engineering changes.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a Production Manager, Shop Floor Manager, or similar supervisory role within manufacturing.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and fabrication specifications.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing workflows, lean principles, and productivity optimisation.
• Competent with production systems and Microsoft Office.

Desirable Experience

• Experience using MIETrak Pro (MIE Solutions) for scheduling, work orders, production tracking, and reporting — training will be provided for the right candidate.
• Background in steel fabrication, metalwork, or precision sheet metal manufacturing.
• Knowledge of welding, metal fabrication techniques, CNC machinery, or finishing processes.
• Experience driving process improvements and lean initiatives.

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on, approachable, and proactive leadership style.
• Highly organised with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and team development.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From £50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Which of the following industries have you previously worked in (type which ones apply in the box below)?
• Have you used any production planning or ERP systems (e.g. MIE Trak, Sage, SAP, or similar) to manage workflow, scheduling, or job tracking? (if yes please give the name of the software in the box below)

Work Location: In person