At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic CNC machine workshop and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Company: Join a well-established precision engineering specialist in Aerospace and Defence.
- Benefits: Generous salary up to £75,000, 25 days holiday, and a matched pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on quality and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company with exciting projects and leadership opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in CNC machining and proven leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 € per year.
Express Recruitment are proud to be working in partnership with a well-established precision engineering specialist who supply specialist/one-off components to market leaders across the Aerospace and Defence sectors. Following a recent acquisition and a rapidly growing demand for their bespoke services, our client is seeking a highly experienced Production Manager.
The successful candidate will possess natural leadership qualities of a high-performing production workforce (20+ members), coupled with proven firsthand experience in a busy machine shop, with capabilities for working with a wide range of CNC machines, such as Mazak, HAAS and Doosan machines.
In return, you will receive a generous salary of up to £75,000 depending on experience and skillset. Other benefits include 5% matched pension, access to online discount scheme, up to x8 life assurance policy, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and discretionary annual bonus scheme (based on company and personal performance).
Skills & Experience- Apprentice trained or City & Guilds qualified in Mechanical and/or Manufacturing Engineering
- Proven previous firsthand experience in multi-axis CNC machining (4-7 axis), including milling, turning, and lathe work
- Demonstrable leadership experience of a high performing production workforce, ideally numbers of 20+
- Previous experience within precision manufacturing for Aerospace and Defence sectors, with solid understanding of compliance standards such as AS9100
- Ability to manage underperformance, quality issues, and disciplinaries in a professional and strategic manner
- Ability to make key decisions in a calm and calculated manner
- Capable of adapting quickly to operational and technical changes as the business continues to grow
- IT literate, including ERP/MRP systems and Excel for KPI reporting, labour productivity tracking, and raw material control
- Well versed in a variety of continuous improvement and LEAN techniques to help drive a 'Right First Time' culture and zero-compromise quality culture
- Manage day to day production activities across a busy CNC machine workshop, overseeing daily production output, quality, and efficient delivery
- Collaborating with Technical Manager to refine and implement technical strategy and processes throughout the department, whilst being on hand to resolve technical issues efficiently and in line with company standards
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the department to enhance efficiency & cost savings, reduce wastage and improve overall quality of product output
- Lead daily stand-up meetings to set clear KPI objectives for the team and monitor individual and team performance, whilst highlighting key trends
- Oversee R&D projects focused on NPI and NPD, ensuring the team have sufficient resources and support available
- Monitor production staff rota and labour effectiveness levels, including taking ownership of decisions regarding overtime spend to ensure timely delivery of projects
- Identify production bottlenecks and implement structured corrective actions
- Work closely with the Quality Manager to ensure compliance and quality standards are maintained such as ISO:9001 and AS9100
- Support wider quality team with internal and external audits
- Conduct structured performance reviews on a 1-to-1 basis, ensuring clear goals and expectations are met, giving high praise where necessary and addressing underperformance concerns when required
- Maintain technical credibility with experienced CNC Machinists
Production Manager – Precision Engineering in Colchester employer: LinkedIn
As a leading precision engineering specialist in Coggeshall, Essex, our client offers an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Aerospace and Defence sectors. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a strong commitment to professional development, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to grow and excel in their career. With a focus on quality and continuous improvement, this company is dedicated to creating a supportive culture where high-performing individuals can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager – Precision Engineering in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the precision engineering field, especially those in aerospace and defence. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your CNC machining knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with machines like Mazak and HAAS, and how you've led teams in a busy workshop. Show them you know your stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Regularly check our website for new listings and apply directly. The sooner you get your application in, the better your chances of standing out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager – Precision Engineering in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Manager role. Highlight your experience with CNC machines and leadership skills, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in precision engineering.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for precision engineering and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience in the Aerospace and Defence sectors – it’ll make you stand out!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We love a natural leader! In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in busy environments. Mention any continuous improvement initiatives you've led to drive efficiency.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at LinkedIn
✨Know Your CNC Machines
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of CNC machines, especially the ones mentioned in the job description like Mazak, HAAS, and Doosan. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these machines and how you've optimised their performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in managing a production workforce of 20+ members. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to achieve high performance and meet production targets.
✨Understand Compliance Standards
Familiarise yourself with compliance standards such as AS9100 and ISO:9001. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured quality and compliance in past roles, and how you would maintain these standards in the new position.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be ready to talk about your experience with continuous improvement initiatives and LEAN techniques. Share specific examples of how you've driven efficiency, reduced waste, and improved product quality in your previous positions.
