Production Manager in Welwyn

Proactive are currently in search of an experienced Production Manager for a market leading electronics manufacturing company based in Welwyn Garden City. As a Production Manager you will be required to lead and manage the team within the business to ensure that products are produced in the most efficient manner, at the right quality levels to ensure a high level of performance is maintained in the business.

The Role

We are seeking a hands‑on, resilient and technically strong Production Manager to lead our assembly operations. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced Production Engineer ready to step up into a leadership position. You'll be responsible for managing day‑to‑day production, driving operational excellence, ensuring AS9100 compliance, and implementing Lean and 6S methodologies - while remaining close enough to the tools to step in and support the team when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day production operations in the Class 8 clean room, ensuring on‑time, accurate delivery of customer orders.
• Liaise closely with Engineering to ensure processes, test procedures and documentation are fully AS9100 compliant.
• Engage, coach, motivate and lead the production team, supporting their growth, skills development and career progression.
• Provide hands‑on support when required, stepping in to manufacture cable assemblies or resolve issues directly on the line.
• Monitor communication across multiple production lines to eliminate downtime and improve efficiency.
• Establish and maintain production procedures, metrics and processes to drive productivity, quality and optimisation.
• Analyse and identify areas for improvement in cost savings, production lead times and process efficiency.
• Develop and oversee operational procedures for outgoing shipments, handling and product disposition, maintaining the highest standards of quality.
• Maintain and manage the Master Production Schedule, ensuring accurate communication of customer acknowledgement dates to the Administration team.
• Support the MRP system rollout, ensuring all stakeholders are engaged and trained on new processes.
• Implement and sustain Lean methodologies, 5S, 6S and Six Sigma tools to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead and support internal and external quality audits.
• Ensure clean room compliance in all production areas - cleanliness, documentation, training, and regulatory adherence.

Person Specification

Essential

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical / Electronic Engineering, or strong equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Proven experience in cable assembly / wire harness / loom manufacturing, ideally in regulated sectors (aerospace/defence).
• Working knowledge of AS9100 quality management systems.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and train teams, building capability and maintaining high standards.
• Confidence to pick up tools and manufacture assemblies when needed.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean, 5S/6S, or Six Sigma principles.
• Strong organisational skills with experience managing Master Production Schedules.
• Experience with MRP systems or similar production planning tools.
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Resilient and results‑driven character, comfortable leading change and challenging the status quo.

Desirable

• Experience working in a Class 8 clean room.
• Familiarity with IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards.
• Aerospace/defence sector experience.
• Strong understanding of root cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone), value stream mapping, and continuous improvement tools.

Proactive Global is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Proactive Global is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.