Production Manager - Composites in Hampshire, Portsmouth

Production Manager - Composites in Hampshire, Portsmouth

Portsmouth +1 Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Red Chilli Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and motivate production teams in advanced composites manufacturing.
  • Company: Established manufacturer with a focus on advanced composite components.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive leadership, and genuine progression opportunities.
  • Other info: Join a stable, growing company with exciting challenges ahead.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in composite manufacturing and strong people management skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

  • Production Manager – Advanced Composites Manufacturing
  • Location: Hampshire, South Coast, UK Salary: Competitive + Benefits

The Opportunity

We're partnering with a well-established manufacturer of advanced composite components supplying some of the world's most demanding industries.

Due to continued growth and increasing production demands, they're looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations and drive performance across the shop floor.

This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who understands advanced composites, thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, and enjoys developing people while continuously improving production performance.

The Role

Reporting into the senior leadership team, you'll take ownership of day‑to‑day production, ensuring safety, quality, delivery and efficiency targets are consistently achieved.

Key responsibilities include

  • Leading and motivating production teams to achieve operational targets.
  • Planning and coordinating daily and weekly production schedules.
  • Managing labour and resources to maximise productivity and minimise downtime.
  • Ensuring products are manufactured to the highest quality standards.
  • Monitoring KPIs and implementing corrective actions where required.
  • Driving continuous improvement initiatives across production processes.
  • Working closely with Engineering, Quality, Planning and Supply Chain to resolve production issues.
  • Supporting recruitment, training and development of production staff.
  • Maintaining high standards of Health & Safety and promoting a positive safety culture.
  • Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste and increase output.

About You

You’ll be an experienced manufacturing leader with a strong background in advanced composites and the confidence to lead from the front.

You’ll ideally have

  • Previous experience as a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager or Production Supervisor within composite manufacturing.
  • Strong technical understanding of pre-preg composite manufacturing and autoclave processes.
  • Experience managing production planning and shop floor scheduling.
  • Excellent people management and leadership skills.
  • Strong knowledge of quality systems and manufacturing best practice.
  • Experience driving process improvements and continuous improvement projects.
  • Ability to make decisions under pressure and solve production challenges quickly.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships across all departments.
  • A highly organised and proactive approach to managing multiple priorities.
  • Personal Attributes

We’re looking for someone who is

  • Highly organised and methodical.
  • A visible and approachable leader.
  • Technically credible and respected on the shop floor.
  • Calm under pressure and solution‑focused.
  • A strong communicator who can engage teams at every level.
  • Passionate about developing people and improving performance.
  • What’s on Offer
  • Join a growing, engineering‑led manufacturer working on technically challenging composite products.
  • Opportunity to influence production strategy and continuous improvement.
  • Supportive leadership team with genuine opportunities for progression.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Stable, long‑term career within an expanding business.
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Locations

PortsmouthHampshire

Production Manager - Composites in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Red Chilli Recruitment

Join a dynamic team as a Service Engineer, where your expertise in electrical, electronic, and mechanical engineering will be valued and nurtured. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, all while offering competitive salaries and benefits. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a supportive environment that encourages innovation and rewards hard work, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

Red Chilli Recruitment

Contact Details:

Red Chilli Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Production Manager - Composites in Hampshire, Portsmouth

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 Red Chilli Recruitment, 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 - Composites in Hampshire, Portsmouth

Advanced Composites Knowledge
Production Management
Team Leadership
Production Planning
Shop Floor Scheduling
Quality Systems Knowledge
Continuous Improvement

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 Red Chilli Recruitment 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 Red Chilli Recruitment

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Red Chilli Recruitment, 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 Red Chilli Recruitment 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.