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- Tasks: Lead production operations in aerospace and defence, ensuring quality and efficiency.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturer in the defence and aerospace sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, enhanced sick pay, and a company pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical programmes in a secure, advanced environment.
- Qualifications: Strong engineering background and experience in regulated manufacturing required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in global projects.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Sittingbourne, Kent
Salary: IOR A£55,000 p.a. + Excellent Benefits
Hours: Full-time, Permanent
A high-impact production operations role within a precision engineering environment. Opportunity for a dynamic Production Manager to drive quality, efficiency, and compliance within a leading manufacturer supplying the defence, aerospace, and advanced engineering sectors. Based in Sittingbourne, this role covers sales order fulfilment, supply chain coordination, and lean process improvement. Suited to individuals with a strong engineering background, an analytical mindset, and experience in regulated manufacturing environments. Involves regular interaction with both suppliers and customers, requiring occasional travel.
Key Responsibilities- Oversee end-to-end sales order management, ensuring timely and accurate delivery aligned with customer requirements.
- Manage supply chain operations, including procurement, inventory control, supplier performance, and audit readiness.
- Support the preparation of tenders and bids, contributing technical insight and commercial awareness for UK and international defence contracts.
- Lead lean manufacturing initiatives, streamlining operations and increasing productivity across key departments.
- Embed ESG principles into daily operational practice, supporting broader company goals.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with industry standards, including ISO 9001:2015, AS9100, and ISO 14001.
- Collaborate closely with commercial and manufacturing teams to drive continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
- Strong engineering background within a regulated production or manufacturing environment.
- Proficient in lean manufacturing tools, ERP systems, and supply chain logistics.
- Working knowledge of ESG best practices.
- Confident leader with excellent communication and decision-making skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Must be eligible for UK security clearance.
- Experience in defence, aerospace, or advanced engineering sectors.
- Familiarity with government procurement and bidding processes.
- Understanding of compliance frameworks such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001.
- Opportunity to contribute to technically complex and critical programmes.
- Work in a secure, advanced manufacturing environment alongside highly skilled professionals.
- Genuine scope to influence operational direction, improve systems, and lead process transformation.
- Involvement in delivering solutions to UK and global defence and aerospace clients.
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
- Christmas shut down.
- Overtime paid up to treble time.
- Enhanced sick pay.
- Company pension scheme.
- Life assurance policy.
- Death in service benefit - 4x annual salary.
Westin Par values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK. For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies, we are acting as an Employment Agency. Due to the high volume of applicants applying for all roles, we can only reply to candidates with the most relevant skills and experience. If you have not heard back from us within 48 hours of your application, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Production Manager - Areospace / Defence in Sittingbourne employer: Sterling Cross
Contact Detail:
Sterling Cross Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager - Areospace / Defence in Sittingbourne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local aerospace and defence events. 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 them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for the defence and aerospace sectors and how your skills can drive their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your achievements! Use specific examples from your past roles that highlight your leadership in lean manufacturing and compliance. Numbers speak volumes, so quantify your successes where possible.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager - Areospace / Defence in Sittingbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Manager role in defence and aerospace. Highlight your engineering background, lean manufacturing experience, and any relevant compliance knowledge. We want to see how your skills match 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 passionate about this role and how your experience aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your leadership skills and any specific achievements in regulated environments.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your experience in supply chain operations and any involvement with tenders or bids. We love candidates who can demonstrate their analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sterling Cross
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering knowledge, especially in regulated manufacturing environments. Be ready to discuss specific tools and processes you've used, particularly lean manufacturing techniques and ERP systems, as these will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Production Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, focusing on your decision-making skills and how you've driven improvements in productivity and compliance.
✨Understand Compliance Standards
Familiarise yourself with industry standards like ISO 9001:2015, AS9100, and ISO 14001. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you plan to maintain these standards in the new position.
✨Prepare for Supply Chain Questions
Since the role involves managing supply chain operations, think about your experience with procurement, inventory control, and supplier performance. Have specific examples ready that highlight your analytical mindset and problem-solving skills in these areas.