At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production scheduling and coordinate teams to deliver projects safely and on time.
- Company: Join R E Thompson, a leading aerospace engineering company with over 75 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with team-building events and modern facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace and defence while driving continuous improvement in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing, strong problem-solving skills, and knowledge of lean principles.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 € per year.
We are looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead our manufacturing operations at our advanced facility in Andover. You will be responsible for production scheduling, team coordination, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and to specification. This role is central to maintaining our reputation for excellence and meeting the demanding requirements of our aerospace and defence customers. You will manage daily operations across our sophisticated automated manufacturing environment, including our Fastems Flexible Manufacturing Systems and fleet of 5-axis machining centres.
About Us
R E Thompson is a leading precision aerospace engineering company with over 75 years of experience providing complete manufacturing solutions. Operating from our advanced facilities in Hampshire, we are home to the UK’s most sophisticated automated 5-axis machine shop. Our state-of-the-art Flexible Manufacturing System enables 24/7 lights-out production, and we hold AS9100, ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 certifications. We work with prestigious clients including GE Aviation, BAE Systems, and Ontic, delivering complex precision components for the aerospace, defence, automotive, and electronics industries.
- Lead production scheduling and coordinate teams to deliver projects safely, on time, and to specification
- Manage daily operations and drive results across the manufacturing floor
- Oversee capacity planning and resource allocation to maximise efficiency
- Ensure compliance with quality standards (AS9100) and health & safety regulations
- Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) including OTD, quality, and productivity
- Lead, motivate, and develop production teams
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, and planning teams to resolve issues
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing practices
- Manage relationships with internal stakeholders and support customer requirements
- Report on production performance to senior management
Experience & Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Production Manager or similar leadership role in manufacturing
- Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, and capacity management
- Experience managing teams in a precision engineering or aerospace environment
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet demanding deadlines
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
- Proficient with ERP systems and Microsoft Office
- Experience with automated manufacturing systems (FMS, pallet systems)
- Knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace industry requirements
- IOSH or NEBOSH qualification
- Experience with Epicor or similar ERP systems
We offer
- Competitive salary as advertised
- Pension scheme with employer contributions
- Life Assurance
- Bike2Work Scheme
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Business mileage allowance
- Company laptop and mobile phone provided
- On-site parking at our modern facility
- Team building events
How to apply
Please apply through Indeed. Please note that candidates must be eligible to work in the UK to be considered, as we will not be sponsoring visas for this role.
Production Manager in Andover employer: R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd
R E Thompson is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our state-of-the-art facility in Andover, where innovation meets precision engineering. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide competitive salaries, professional training opportunities, and a supportive culture that values teamwork and continuous improvement. Join us to be part of a leading aerospace engineering company that not only prioritises excellence but also invests in the growth and well-being of its employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in Andover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience in production management, especially with automated systems. This will give you an edge when discussing your capabilities during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers. Focus on demonstrating your leadership and problem-solving skills, as these are crucial for a Production Manager role.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager in Andover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Manager role. Highlight your experience in production planning, team management, and any relevant certifications like AS9100. We want to see how your skills match 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 the perfect fit for our advanced manufacturing environment. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved processes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics to demonstrate how you've improved KPIs like on-time delivery and productivity. We love seeing concrete results that reflect your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:While you might see our job on Indeed, we encourage you to apply directly through our website. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you get noticed by our hiring team!
How to prepare for a job interview at R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd
✨Know Your Production Inside Out
Make sure you understand the specifics of production scheduling and capacity management. Brush up on your knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and how they apply to aerospace and defence. This will show that you're not just familiar with the role, but that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in a manufacturing environment. Think about times when you motivated your team or resolved conflicts. This is your chance to demonstrate your excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for this role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Key Performance Indicators
Understand the key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the role, such as on-time delivery (OTD), quality, and productivity. Be ready to discuss how you've monitored and improved these metrics in your previous positions, as this will highlight your results-driven approach.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Since you'll be working with sophisticated automated manufacturing systems, brush up on your technical knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with ERP systems like Epicor and any automated systems you've managed. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is technically savvy and ready for the challenges ahead.
