At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production operations and ensure timely delivery of high-quality precision machinery.
- Company: Respected UK engineering firm known for innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, life assurance, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Opportunities for international travel and career progression.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the manufacturing industry.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and 5+ years in production management required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
A long‑established and highly respected UK‑based engineering and manufacturing organisation is seeking a Production Manager to join its specialist equipment division. The business designs and manufactures precision testing machinery used internationally across a range of industries. With a strong reputation for quality and innovation, the company supplies equipment to global customers and supply chains.
The Production Manager will take responsibility for end‑to‑end production operations, ensuring products are delivered on time, to quality standards, and in line with commercial objectives. This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring a strong engineering background, proven production management experience, and the ability to balance operational delivery with commercial awareness.
Key Responsibilities- Operational Planning & Delivery: Oversee full delivery lifecycle from order intake through to installation, commissioning, and service. Drive improvements in delivery performance and operational efficiency. Lead cross‑functional planning across engineering, production, procurement, and service teams. Ensure visibility of capacity, priorities, and risks.
- Production & Service Management: Manage team leads across design (mechanical, electrical, software/firmware), production and assembly, electrical build, calibration, and commissioning, service and technical support, warehousing and fulfilment. Ensure adherence to quality standards and operational processes. Monitor and escalate issues relating to design, suppliers, production, or components.
- Commercial & Financial Awareness: Support achievement of financial targets through operational decision‑making. Identify and reduce inefficiencies and cost leakage. Collaborate with sales and logistics teams to optimise margin and delivery. Contribute to operational input for wider business strategy.
- Customer & Market Support: Support development of service offerings, upgrades, and aftermarket services. Provide technical input into marketing materials and product positioning. Work closely with customer‑facing teams to resolve issues efficiently.
- Leadership & Development: Lead, coach, and develop team leaders and operational staff. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer focus. Support training, skills development, and succession planning. Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Continuous Improvement & Compliance: Drive process improvements while maintaining operational efficiency. Ensure strong communication between departments (engineering, production, sales, quality, procurement). Support compliance with relevant machinery regulations and certification standards (e.g. CE/UKCA). Maintain audit readiness for quality and calibration processes.
- Essential: Degree or equivalent qualification in mechanical and/or electrical engineering. Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior production or engineering leadership role. Experience managing both design and manufacturing teams. Strong planning, coordination, and problem‑solving capabilities. Commercial awareness (cost control, margins, customer impact). Experience with ERP systems. Background in low‑volume, high‑value manufacturing environments. Knowledge of machinery regulations (UK/EU/international). Right to work in the UK.
- Desirable: Experience with Microsoft Dynamics / Business Central ERP. Exposure to P&L accountability. Knowledge of IoT or emerging technologies. Experience in precision capital equipment manufacturing. Involvement in business development or product marketing.
- Practical and delivery‑focused approach.
- Able to balance technical, commercial, and people priorities.
- Calm under pressure with strong prioritisation skills.
- Proactive mindset with a continuous improvement approach.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Interest in technology and innovation.
- Ambition to progress into broader operational leadership.
- 25‑30 days annual leave (service‑based).
- Company pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Income protection.
- Flexible working hours.
- Free on‑site parking.
- Potential for international travel.
Production Manager in Kettering employer: Job Search Place Limited
Join a long-established and highly respected engineering and manufacturing organisation in Kettering, Northamptonshire, where you will play a pivotal role as a Production Manager in a dynamic and innovative environment. The company offers a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development, with opportunities for training and progression, alongside competitive benefits such as flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and a company pension scheme. With a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in precision testing machinery production.
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 industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local engineering meetups. 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 products. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams, improved processes, or tackled challenges in production management. This will help you stand out as a hands-on leader.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Manager role. Highlight your engineering background and any relevant production management experience. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven improvements in delivery performance or operational efficiency in the past.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Production Manager, leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your experience in leading teams and fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and develop their teams!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering knowledge, especially around precision testing machinery. Be ready to discuss your experience in production management and how it aligns with the company's focus on quality and innovation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and accountability, as well as any specific instances where you improved operational efficiency or resolved conflicts.
✨Understand the Business
Research the company’s market position and their products. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their commercial objectives and support financial targets through effective operational decision-making.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their approach to continuous improvement and how they handle compliance with machinery regulations, showing that you’re proactive and engaged.
