At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production operations and ensure high-quality engineering project delivery.
- Company: Ridgway Machines, a world-leading manufacturer with over 100 years of engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, company bonus scheme, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for international travel and career development.
- Why this job: Join a growing organisation and make a real impact in exciting engineering projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in production management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 60000 £ per year.
With over 100 years of engineering excellence, Ridgway Machines is a world‑leading manufacturer of precision taping and winding machines for the electrical, energy, and oil & gas industries. Recently acquired by Tokamak Energy to accelerate superconducting technology, we’re involved in some of the world’s most exciting engineering projects—including ITER’s Fusion Power Plant and CERN’s Large Hadron Collider. From innovative designs to global customer support, we deliver expert solutions for clients worldwide. Based at Meridian Business Park in Leicester, we are a skilled team of specialist engineers working at the cutting edge of power generation machinery.
We are looking for a driven and experienced Production Manager to lead our production operations and play a key role in delivering high‑quality engineering projects. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organisation where you can make a real impact, leading teams, driving efficiency, and ensuring operational excellence.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading production planning, assembly, testing, commissioning, and installation
- Developing and maintaining effective production plans aligned with project timelines
- Ensuring on‑time, in‑full (OTIF) delivery
- Managing labour, resources, and workforce planning
- Driving efficient factory operations and layout optimisation
- Maintaining compliance with quality standards, ISO requirements, and customer expectations
- Upholding health & safety standards and mitigating risks
- Managing budgets, costs, and labour tracking
- Building strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders
- Recruiting, leading, and developing a high‑performing team
- Monitoring KPIs and driving continuous improvement initiatives
Requirements
We’re seeking a strong leader with a background in engineering production management who thrives in a fast‑paced environment.
Essential
- Proven experience in production management within an engineering environment
- Excellent planning, organisation, and leadership skills
- Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making ability
- Confident communicator with the ability to engage at all levels
- Strong IT skills, including MS Office
- Full UK driving licence
- Leadership & team development
- Planning & organisation
- Commercial awareness
- Problem‑solving mindset
- Strong communication skills
- Adaptability & resilience
Desirable
- Experience with special purpose machinery
- Knowledge of ISO standards and Health & Safety regulations
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems
- Experience in budget and cost control
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Benefits
- Salary range £48,000 to £60,000 dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset
- 37.5 hour working week, Friday finish at 1.30pm for production teams
- Free parking
- 25 days paid annual leave (includes 3 days for Christmas shut down) plus 8 days paid public holidays
- Company Bonus scheme
- Stakeholder Pension
- Family friendly policies
- Training and Personal Development
- Some onward International Travel Opportunities
- Complementary corporate work wear
- Relocation Assistance
Production Manager in Leicester employer: Ridgway Machines Ltd
Ridgway Machines is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Meridian Business Park in Leicester, where innovation meets engineering excellence. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and a supportive culture that values work-life balance, including a Friday finish at 1.30pm, we empower our team to thrive in exciting projects like ITER and CERN. Join us to lead a high-performing team and make a tangible impact in the world of precision engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show genuine interest in their work, especially in areas like ITER and CERN. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams, solved problems, and driven efficiency in past roles. This will showcase your fit for the Production Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Ridgway Machines.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Manager role. Highlight your experience in production management and any relevant engineering projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align 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 the perfect fit for our team at Ridgway Machines. Share specific examples of your leadership and problem-solving skills that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve driven efficiency or improved processes in previous roles. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ridgway Machines Ltd
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering production management knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the specific machinery and technologies that Ridgway Machines works with, especially in relation to precision taping and winding machines. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you drove efficiency or improved operations. Ridgway Machines is looking for a strong leader, so be ready to demonstrate your ability to manage and develop a high-performing team.
✨Understand Their Values
Research Ridgway Machines and Tokamak Energy to understand their mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding quality standards and health & safety regulations. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you've faced challenges in production management and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
