At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage signage production from design to installation across multiple locations.
- Company: Join a long-established brand in the signage industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Exciting role with travel opportunities and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of signage while working in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in signage production with strong leadership and hands-on skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
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
- 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.
Qualifications & Experience
- 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.
Production Manager employer: Signs Express
As a Production Manager at Signs Express, you will join a well-established company that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture across multiple Northeast locations. With a strong emphasis on professional development, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while enjoying competitive benefits and a hands-on role in the signage production process. Our commitment to quality and innovation ensures that you will be part of a dynamic environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager
✨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 Signs Express, 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
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 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
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Signs Express, 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 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.
