At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production operations and manage a skilled team in a dynamic machining environment.
- Company: Established precision CNC machining business with strong growth ambitions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and significant capital investment for growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with experienced machinists and drive operational improvements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping operations and be part of a stable, skilled team.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-mix CNC machining and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
A well-established precision CNC machining business serving aerospace and defence, now backed by a larger engineering group and entering a well-funded growth phase, is looking for a Production Manager who genuinely understands high-mix, low-volume precision engineering, and wants to be close to it every day.
The environment
This is not a linear production flow. Work is technically variable, routed across multiple machine platforms and external processes, with shifting priorities and real operational complexity. The team is experienced, skilled and stable, machinists and programmers who know their craft. What the business is building now is the operational structure and leadership layer that supports growth without over-engineering what already works well. Current investment includes additional machine capacity, extended running capability, shift development and headcount growth, with clear ambitions to scale significantly over the next three to five years.
The role
- Running production to OTIF, quality and efficiency targets across a varied, high-complexity workload
- Managing priorities, capacity and routing across machine platforms and external processes
- Developing and performance-managing a skilled team of machinists and CNC programmers
- Improving shopfloor organisation, production flow and planning structure
- Supporting AS9100 compliance and audit readiness
- Playing an active role in operational decisions as the business scales
What we’re looking for
- Direct, recent experience in a precision subcontract or high-mix CNC environment, ideally aerospace, defence or similarly regulated.
- Background in high-mix, low-volume or subcontract precision machining
- Experience managing skilled machinists, setters or CNC programmers directly
- Structured but adaptable, able to introduce discipline without over-systematising
- Genuine hands-on operational improvement, not just oversight of CI programmes
- The credibility and people skills to lead a technically capable team
- Comfortable in an SME environment where you do things as well as direct them
Why this role
- Significant ongoing capital investment with more planned
- Strong, stable team with genuine craft knowledge
- Backed by an established engineering group with long-term commitment to the site
- Real involvement in shaping operations as the business grows
- A role where your direct contribution will be visible and valued
If you’re an experienced Production Manager with a background in high-mix precision machining and you’re looking for a hands-on operational leadership role in a business with genuine momentum, apply now.
Production Manager in Braintree employer: Prime Appointments Recruitment Agency
Join a well-established precision CNC machining business in Braintree, where your expertise as a Production Manager will be pivotal in shaping operations during an exciting growth phase. With significant capital investment and a strong, stable team of skilled machinists, you'll enjoy a collaborative work culture that values hands-on leadership and direct contributions. This role offers unique opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a tangible impact in a dynamic environment focused on high-mix, low-volume precision engineering.
Contact Details:
Prime Appointments Recruitment Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in Braintree
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their recent projects, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. Plus, it could give you an edge if they put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions specific to production management. Think about how your hands-on experience can solve their challenges. Show them you’re not just a manager but a leader who can drive operational improvements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining their team and ready to take that next step.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager in Braintree
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Production Manager role. Highlight your experience in high-mix, low-volume precision machining and any relevant achievements in aerospace or defence. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your hands-on leadership style can contribute to our growth. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a bit of personality!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past roles where you’ve managed skilled teams or improved operational processes. We’re keen to see how you’ve made a difference in previous positions.
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 important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prime Appointments Recruitment Agency
✨Know Your CNC Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of CNC machining and precision engineering. Be ready to discuss specific processes, tools, and technologies you've worked with. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the jargon but have real hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in a high-mix, low-volume environment. Talk about your approach to leading skilled machinists and programmers, and how you balance hands-on involvement with strategic oversight.
✨Emphasise Adaptability
Since the role involves managing shifting priorities and complex operations, be ready to share instances where you've adapted to changing circumstances. Highlight your ability to introduce structure without stifling creativity or efficiency.
✨Engage with Operational Improvement
Discuss your direct contributions to operational improvements rather than just overseeing CI programmes. Bring examples of how you've made tangible changes on the shop floor that led to better production flow or quality outcomes.
