Production Manager in Rochdale

Department: Operations

Location: Rochdale

Job Title: Production Manager

Company: Salt Separation Services

Location: Rochdale, on-site

Department: Operations

Compensation: £55,000 - £58,000

About Salt Separation Services

Salt Separation Services have been leading in desalination technology for over 35 years; specialising in the engineering, commissioning and servicing of reverse osmosis (RO) plants that provide drinkable water solutions across a variety of industries. Our systems are used in sectors including naval, oil, cruise ships, and more. We’re committed to designing reliable, high-quality RO and water filtration solutions that meet the unique demands of each industry and customer we serve. Join us on the path to simplifying access to water solutions for a broad and varied client base!

Position Summary

This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the successful manufacture and delivery of bespoke engineered systems in a project-based environment. The Production Manager will work closely with the management team, project engineers, design engineers and workshop team leaders to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on time and to the highest quality standards.

The successful candidate will be an operational leader who can drive performance, improve production processes, utilise Epicor ERP effectively, and provide meaningful support to management and board-level decision making.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Workshop Leadership

• Lead and oversee all workshop and production activities.
• Ensure manufacturing activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with project schedules.
• Manage production resources, workload planning and capacity requirements.
• Drive quality, productivity and on-time delivery across all production functions.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, engineering specifications and quality standards.

Project Delivery

• Work closely with Project Engineers and Design Engineers throughout the project lifecycle.
• Translate project requirements into practical manufacturing plans.
• Identify production risks and implement mitigation plans to maintain delivery commitments.
• Support FATs (Factory Acceptance Tests) and project handovers as required.
• Ensure manufacturing activities align with project milestones and customer expectations.

ERP & Operational Systems

• Utilise Epicor ERP to support production planning, job tracking, labour reporting and material control.
• Ensure accurate production data is maintained within the ERP system.
• Drive improvements in system utilisation to increase operational efficiency and visibility.
• Support the continued development of production workflows and reporting capabilities.

Process Improvement

• Take ownership of production processes and continuously seek opportunities for improvement.
• Implement lean manufacturing and best practice methodologies where appropriate.
• Develop, maintain and improve production procedures, SOPs and operational controls.
• Monitor KPIs and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality and cost performance.

Leadership & Management Support

• Build strong working relationships with the senior management team.
• Support Team Leads in achieving departmental objectives and resolving operational challenges.
• Provide regular production reporting and operational updates.
• Contribute to management meetings and support preparation for board meetings.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Essential Experience

• Proven background in Project Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or Production Management.
• Demonstrable track record of delivering manufacturing activities within a project-based engineering environment.
• Experience managing workshop and production teams within a bespoke manufacturing business.
• Experience working closely with Project Engineers and Design Engineers to deliver engineered solutions.
• Experience implementing and driving process improvements within a production environment.
• Experience owning and improving production processes from planning through to delivery.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems, ideally Epicor.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, manufacturing processes and quality requirements.
• Experience reporting operational performance to senior leadership teams.

Essential Skills

• Strong leadership and people management capability.
• Excellent planning, organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing production demands.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Data-driven approach to production performance and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of project delivery requirements.

Desirable

• Experience within the water treatment, process engineering or RO plant industry.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) processes.
• Relevant engineering qualification (HNC, HND, Degree or equivalent).

Why Salt Sep?

Benefits

• Competitive employer matched pension scheme (Aviva)
• Company Bonus Scheme
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Free Employee Assistance Services; giving counselling, GP access, financial and wellbeing advice.
• Life insurance
• Income protection (after 5 yrs service)
• Early finish Friday (finishing at 1pm)
• Plenty of training and development
• Holiday buy-back
• Excellent team building, social and company events

At Salt Separation Services, you’ll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects in a dynamic environment, as part of a small family-owned business.

We have some big goals on our horizon, we take pride in supporting our employees' own growth and provide a culture that values quality, communication, integrity, health and safety and family.

Salt Separation Services is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued, we encourage all candidates from all backgrounds, and are very happy to facilitate any adjustment you might need.