Production Manager in Wales

About Oshkosh AeroTech, an Oshkosh company. Oshkosh AeroTech is a leading provider of aviation ground support products, gate equipment and airport services to commercial airlines, airports, air‑freight carriers, ground handling and military customers. Oshkosh AeroTech offers products that make a difference in people’s lives by supporting those in our communities who do some of the toughest work. They own many of the most trusted brands in the air transportation industry, including LEKTRO®, JetAire®, JetPower®, AmpTekÔ, Jetway®, and more.

The Production Manager will oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the production department to ensure the efficient manufacture of our products. This role requires strong leadership traits, effective planning, control and scheduling skills, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and productivity. The Production Manager will be responsible for managing production schedules within the department and alongside the production planner, optimising resources available, and leading a diverse team to achieve operational goals and objectives.

Job Description and Responsibilities

• Production Planning, Schedule Control and Execution: Help to control and implement production schedules liaising with the production planner to meet our customer’s demands and their delivery deadlines. Monitor and adjust production plans alongside the production planner, to address any changes in demand, material availability, and possible resource or capacity constraints. Ensure efficient use of production resources, including labour, equipment, and materials.
• Team Leadership and Resource Development: Lead, motivate, and develop a team of production personnel and promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the production department. Conduct performance reviews/appraisals, provide feedback, and implement development plans for the production supervisors and help them to develop their team members. Foster a collaborative and positive working environment, encouraging teamwork and communication within your own department and between other departments and key stakeholders in the business.
• Quality Control and Assurance: Ensure that all products are manufactured to the highest quality standards and meet our customer’s specifications and expectations. Implement and maintain quality control processes alongside the Quality Manager and the quality team, conducting regular inspections and audits in a timely manner. Using the C2 quality system, address and resolve any quality issues whilst working closely with the quality manager and the quality team.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements that will aim to enhance productivity and efficiency, reduce waste, and reduce costs. Utilise lean manufacturing techniques like Six Sigma for example, as well as other methodologies to drive continuous improvement initiatives within the business. Stay current with industry best practices and emerging technologies to enhance production capabilities, leaning on local supplies to help us improve our products and services.
• Health, Safety, and Compliance: Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations and standards from a production point of view. Promote to all within the business a safe working environment and ensure adherence to safety policies and procedures. Help maintain regular safety audits and risk assessments (BBSO’s), addressing any identified hazards promptly.
• Resource Management: Work with the materials manager and the supply chain team to manage WIP materials and levels of raw materials within the production department. Also close out products when complete and put into finished goods to ensure an uninterrupted production schedule. Coordinate with the supply chain team to ensure timely availability of materials. Help the plant manager to monitor and control production costs, seeking ways to improve efficiency and reduce expenses.
• Reporting and Documentation: Prepare and present regular reports on production performance data, including key metrics such as Absorbed hours vs available hours, productivity, efficiency, and quality. Maintain accurate and up-to-date production records, ensuring compliance with internal and external auditing requirements. Communicate production status and any production issues to the plant manager, other senior management teams and other stakeholders as and when required.

Education and Experience Required

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Manufacturing Management, Operations management, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. A qualification equivalent to the above may also be acceptable.
• Experience: Proven experience in an operations, manufacturing or production management role. Demonstrated experience in leading and managing production teams, with a focus on achieving high standards of quality and efficiency. Strong knowledge of production planning, control, scheduling, and other various control techniques from a production point of view. Experience in implementing lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and production‑related software tools.

The Production Manager is a pivotal role within the business and will be key in ensuring the success of our production operations as well as the wider businesses operations. If you are a dedicated leader with a passion for manufacturing excellence and a track record of driving results, we at Oshkosh AeroTech encourage you to apply for this rewarding position.