At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve production operations while developing a motivated team.
- Company: Established manufacturing business in Birmingham with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, daytime hours, and genuine autonomy.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence the next chapter of a stable business.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a modernising environment with significant investment.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership and understanding of manufacturing processes.
The predicted salary is between 46350 - 56650 £ per year.
An established manufacturing business with significant investment offers a real opportunity to make your mark. SF Recruitment is working with a successful, independently owned manufacturing business in Birmingham, looking to appoint a Production Manager as part of an exciting period of change and development. This business has a strong heritage, a loyal workforce, and a fantastic reputation within its sector. Having invested significantly in its facilities, machinery, and infrastructure, the focus is now firmly on its people, processes, and operational performance.
We are looking for a Production Manager who enjoys being visible, leading from the front, and bringing out the best in people. Someone who can introduce structure, improve accountability, and drive performance while knowing how to bring an established team along with them. This isn’t a role where you’ll simply be maintaining the status quo; you’ll have the freedom, support, and autonomy to assess the operation, identify opportunities, and implement improvements. The business wants someone who will take ownership, challenge existing ways of working constructively, and genuinely make a difference.
What will you be doing?
- Taking ownership of day-to-day production operations, ensuring safety, quality, productivity, and delivery targets are achieved.
- Leading, coaching, and developing an established production team, including supervisors and operatives.
- Introducing greater structure, accountability, and consistency across production.
- Driving improvements in quality, reducing defects, waste, and rework.
- Developing and monitoring production KPIs, including OEE, OTIF, efficiency, and performance.
- Working closely with the wider management team to improve production planning, communication, and delivery.
- Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement across people, processes, and machinery.
- Supporting health and safety standards, training, and compliance across the operation.
- Making effective use of ERP systems and production data to support decision-making.
- Building a positive, engaged culture where employees understand expectations and take pride in their work.
What are we looking for?
First and foremost, we’re looking for a people manager, not simply a production expert. You’ll need to understand manufacturing, production processes, and operational performance, but your ability to lead, communicate, develop people, and drive positive change will be equally important.
Ideally, you’ll bring:
- Experience as a Production Manager or an established manufacturing leader ready for the next step.
- A proven ability to lead shop-floor teams and develop supervisors.
- Strong knowledge of production KPIs, quality management, continuous improvement, and operational efficiency.
- Experience improving standards, introducing processes, and creating accountability.
- Confidence using ERP/MRP systems and production reporting tools.
- A practical understanding of health and safety, ideally supported by IOSH or equivalent training.
- A proactive, hands-on, and approachable leadership style.
- The confidence to take ownership and make decisions without needing constant direction.
Experience within a similar manufacturing environment would be advantageous, but industry experience is not essential. We’re very open to speaking with candidates from other manufacturing backgrounds who can demonstrate the right leadership qualities and transferable experience.
Why consider this opportunity?
This is a genuinely exciting time to join the business. With substantial investment already made in the manufacturing operation, an established workforce, and a leadership team committed to modernising the business, there is a real opportunity to influence its next chapter.
You’ll benefit from:
- Salary up to £55,000 + 10% bonus
- Monday to Friday, daytime working hours.
- A well-invested manufacturing environment.
- Genuine autonomy and the opportunity to shape the production function.
- Direct access to senior leadership and the ability to influence decisions.
- A stable, established business with ambitious plans for improvement.
- A supportive working environment where your contribution will be recognised and valued.
If you’re the kind of Production Manager who sees an opportunity to improve something and wants to get on with it, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today or contact SF Recruitment for a confidential discussion.
Production Manager in Birmingham employer: SF Partners
SF Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and entrepreneurial work culture that prioritises employee development and impact. With ambitious growth plans and a commitment to investing in its people, this Private Equity backed business provides unique opportunities for career advancement, particularly for finance professionals looking to transition into leadership roles. The hybrid working model further enhances work-life balance, making it an attractive place for talented individuals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in Birmingham
✨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 SF Partners, 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 Birmingham
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 SF Partners 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 SF Partners
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with SF Partners, 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 SF Partners 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.
