At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in producing high-quality signage and manage production processes.
- Company: Join the innovative Signs Express South Durham team with a hands-on approach.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, training opportunities, and 20 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Full training provided and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a well-established business while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in signage production with strong hands-on experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Production Manager to join our team at Signs Express South Durham. This is a varied role combining production management, team leadership, hands-on sign making and site survey work. You will be responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the production department, ensuring jobs are scheduled efficiently, produced to a high standard and delivered on time.
Location: Signs Express (South Durham), 2 Code Business Estate, Henson Road, Darlington, DL1 4NZ
Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 Dependent on experience
Working Hours: Full-time, permanent, Monday to Friday
Travel: A full, clean driving licence is essential for use of company vehicles to travel between jobs and local travel between our South Durham, Teesside, Gateshead, Wearside, Scarborough and Northallerton sites.
The successful candidate will have strong experience within the signage industry, a practical understanding of production and installation processes, and the confidence to support the team directly during busy periods. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the next chapter of a long-established business under the Signs Express brand across multiple Northeast locations.
Duties Include:
- Oversee and manage all aspects of signage production, from design handover through to fabrication, finishing and installation.
- Lead, support and motivate the production and installation team, creating a positive, organised and productive working environment.
- Plan and schedule jobs effectively to meet client deadlines and make best use of internal resources.
- Take a hands-on role in the manufacture and finishing of signage when required, including vinyl application, digital print finishing, mounting, laminating, trimming and general sign making.
- Operate, maintain and support the use of large-format printers, vinyl cutters, laminators and other production equipment.
- Ensure all signage products are produced to a high standard and meet client specifications, brand requirements and agreed deadlines.
- Carry out and assist with site surveys, taking accurate measurements, photographs and notes to support quoting, production and installation planning.
- Liaise with customers during surveys and project delivery, maintaining a professional and helpful approach.
- Coordinate with internal teams to ensure projects move smoothly from enquiry and design through to production and installation.
- Manage health and safety practices across the production floor and during on-site work.
- Monitor stock and material levels, liaising with suppliers to ensure materials are ordered in good time.
- Identify opportunities to improve production processes, quality control, workflow and efficiency.
- Support installation planning and provide practical input on access, fixing methods, materials and installation requirements.
- Help ensure projects are delivered on time, to specification and within budget.
What We Need From You:
- A minimum of three years’ experience in signage production, ideally within a supervisory or management role.
- Strong hands-on sign making experience, including vinyl application, wide-format print finishing, mounting and general production techniques.
- Good knowledge of signage materials, manufacturing methods and equipment, including vinyl, wide-format print, acrylics, ACM, Foamex, illuminated signage and other common signage solutions.
- Experience operating large-format print equipment, plotters, laminators and related production machinery.
- Experience conducting site surveys, taking accurate measurements and assessing practical installation requirements.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to organise, motivate and support others.
- The ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced production environment.
- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Good communication skills, with the confidence to liaise with customers, suppliers and internal teams.
- Strong time management, accuracy and organisational skills.
- A practical, solutions-focused approach with the ability to work under pressure when required.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, production software and RIP software is desirable.
- Experience using Onyx RIP software would be advantageous.
- A full, clean driving licence is essential.
Benefits:
- Full training will be provided where required.
- Continued education and professional development through our online centralised Learning Management System.
- Uniform and PPE provided where necessary.
- 20 days’ holiday allowance, plus bank holidays.
- Wider company networking and training opportunities.
- Free on-site parking.
How To Apply: Please send your CV and covering letter to admin.ne@signs-express.co.uk. Closing date: 19 July 2026. Please note that whilst we aim to get back to all applicants, if you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, unfortunately you will have been unsuccessful.
Production Manager - South Durham in Cardiff employer: Signs Express Oxford
At Signs Express South Durham, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment where creativity and teamwork thrive. As a Production Manager, you will benefit from comprehensive training, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to high-quality production standards, all while working in a vibrant location that serves multiple Northeast sites. Join us to be part of a well-established brand that values your expertise and encourages your growth within the signage industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager - South Durham in Cardiff
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨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
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Signs Express Oxford, 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 - South Durham in Cardiff
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 Signs Express Oxford 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 Signs Express Oxford
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Signs Express Oxford, 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 Signs Express Oxford 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.
