At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise daily production operations while motivating a team of 60-80 employees.
- Company: Established manufacturing business in Dumfries with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £45,000 and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment that values operational excellence and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving performance and creating high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in production management and strong people management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Production Manager to join a well-established manufacturing operation in Dumfries. The Production Manager will oversee day-to-day product processing and distribution operations, ensuring production targets, quality standards and customer expectations are consistently achieved. This is a key leadership role focused on developing people, driving performance and creating a culture of accountability across the production function.
Leading a workforce of approximately 60-80 employees, you will be responsible for getting the very best from your teams, ensuring they are engaged, motivated and aligned to operational objectives. You will be expected to identify opportunities for improvement, remove operational barriers and create an environment where continuous improvement becomes part of the day-to-day culture.
Working closely with Engineering, Transport and Customer Service teams, you will support the smooth running of the operation, helping to maximise productivity, minimise downtime and deliver excellent service levels. You will also play an important role in maintaining and developing quality management systems, including supporting BSI/ISO accreditation requirements, document control and audit readiness.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Production Manager who enjoys leading people, improving performance and creating high-performing teams within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities- Run day-to-day production operations to achieve targets for output, quality, delivery and budget performance
- Plan and update production schedules to ensure people, materials and machinery are available to meet operational requirements
- Lead, coach and develop a production workforce of approximately 60–80 employees
- Drive a high-performance culture through effective communication, engagement and accountability
- Monitor, analyse and improve operational KPIs including output, quality, downtime, scrap, waste and labour utilisation
- Identify bottlenecks and production issues, implementing corrective actions to improve performance
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, productivity and operational performance
- Support the Quality Management System, including BSI/ISO documentation, document control and audit preparation activities
- Manage material availability and stock levels, helping to prevent shortages and minimise disruption to production
- Work closely with Engineering teams to improve line performance, coordinate planned maintenance and reduce breakdowns
- Liaise with Transport and Customer Service teams to ensure products are dispatched on time and customers remain informed
- Ensure Health & Safety standards are maintained across the production operation, promoting a safe working environment
- Conduct regular performance reviews and support employee development across the production function
- Analyse operational data and performance trends to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement
- Act as a visible leader, promoting accountability, teamwork and high performance throughout the production function
- Proven experience in a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager or similar leadership role
- Experience managing and developing large teams within a manufacturing, production or industrial environment
- Strong people management skills with a track record of building engaged, motivated and high-performing teams
- Experience driving operational performance through KPI management and continuous improvement initiatives
- Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling and resource management
- Experience working with BSI/ISO quality systems, document control and audit preparation
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production flow and operational efficiency
- Experience working closely with Engineering and Maintenance teams to improve equipment performance and reduce downtime
- Ability to analyse performance data and identify opportunities for improvement
- Strong knowledge of Health & Safety requirements within a manufacturing environment
- Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills
- Strong problem-solving ability and a proactive approach to operational challenges
- Ability to build effective working relationships across Production, Engineering, Transport and Customer Service functions
You are an experienced in getting great results come from your team. You know how to motivate, develop and support teams, creating a culture where individuals are accountable, engaged and focused on achieving shared goals. You are a visible and hands‑on leader who enjoys being on the shop floor, building relationships with employees at all levels and getting the very best from your team.
Through strong communication, coaching and performance management, you drive operational KPIs, improve productivity and create an environment where continuous improvement becomes part of everyday operations. You have a strong understanding of production environments and are comfortable balancing people, performance, quality and safety. Whether improving processes, reducing downtime, increasing efficiency or developing future talent, you lead by example and maintain high standards across the operation.
Passionate about continuous improvement and operational excellence, you take pride in building high-performing teams that consistently deliver against production targets, quality standards and customer expectations.
What's on Offer- Salary up to £45,000
- Opportunity to lead a production operation employing approximately 60–80 employees
- Key leadership role within a well-established manufacturing business
- Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
- Supportive environment focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence
Production Manager in Dumfries employer: Realise HR Ltd
Join a well-established manufacturing operation in Dumfries as a Production Manager, where you will lead a dedicated team of 60-80 employees in a supportive environment that prioritises continuous improvement and operational excellence. With a competitive salary of up to £45,000, the company offers ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance. This role not only allows you to drive operational success but also empowers you to make a meaningful impact on your team's growth and engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in Dumfries
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Realise HR Ltd, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager in Dumfries
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Realise HR Ltd specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Realise HR Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Realise HR Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Realise HR Ltd value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
