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- Tasks: Lead a team of 20 in daily production operations and process improvements.
- Company: Join a respected manufacturing business in Cornwall, serving aerospace and defence sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, low staff turnover, and autonomy in decision-making.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a people-focused environment with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing, strong technical skills, and excellent communication.
- Other info: Monday to Thursday, 37 hours per week; apply now for a confidential chat.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you a people-focused leader with a passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement? We’re working with a long-established, highly respected manufacturing business in Cornwall that supplies complex mechanical and electronic systems across the aerospace, defence, automotive, and industrial sectors. Due to continued success and internal progression, they’re now seeking a Production Manager to lead day-to-day operations on the shop floor.
The Opportunity
This is a key leadership position overseeing a team of 20 production operators, including three Team Leaders and dedicated production engineering support. You’ll play a critical role in shaping the production environment—developing schedules, improving processes, mentoring your team, and ensuring output meets quality, safety, and efficiency targets. This business has a genuine focus on people and culture, with very low staff turnover and a collaborative, team-oriented environment. You’ll have the autonomy to make impactful decisions and the support to implement change.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Creating and managing production schedules to meet demand and optimise resources
- Leading, coaching and developing shop floor staff
- Managing inventory, materials, and finished goods with minimal waste
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives and lean principles
- Upholding and promoting health and safety best practices
- Monitoring performance metrics and reporting to senior leadership
- Balancing quality, cost, and delivery without compromising standards
What We’re Looking For
- Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing/production environment
- Strong technical understanding of mechanical and/or electrical systems
- Excellent communication, coaching, and people management skills
- Confidence using data to drive decisions and process improvements
- Experience with lean/continuous improvement (formal certification not essential)
- Background in complex production environments—such as defence, aerospace, or automotive—advantageous
Bonus Points For
- Familiarity with production planning tools or ERP systems
- Exposure to mechanical control systems or highly regulated industries
- Eligibility for (or existing) SC Security Clearance
This is a rare opportunity to join a stable, innovation-driven organisation where your leadership will directly shape success on the shop floor. If you’re looking to make a tangible impact in a people-first business, we’d love to hear from you. Monday to Thursday, 37 hours per week. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.
Production Manager employer: STR Group
Contact Detail:
STR Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific manufacturing processes and technologies used in the aerospace, defence, and automotive sectors. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership style and how it fosters a collaborative environment. Since the company values a people-focused culture, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams, mentored staff, and driven engagement in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with continuous improvement initiatives. Think of specific projects where you implemented lean principles or improved processes, as this will demonstrate your ability to drive operational excellence in their production environment.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have experience with production planning tools or ERP systems, make sure to mention it. Even if it's not a requirement, showing familiarity with these tools can set you apart and indicate that you're ready to hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership experience in manufacturing environments. Emphasise your technical understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, as well as any relevant continuous improvement initiatives you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for operational excellence and how your people-focused leadership style aligns with the company's culture. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved processes in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that showcase your ability to manage production schedules, lead teams, and drive continuous improvement. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improvements in efficiency or reductions in waste.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with lean principles and how you would handle challenges on the shop floor. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've made impactful decisions and how you foster a collaborative team environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at STR Group
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Production Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Make sure you have a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems. Be ready to talk about your experience in complex production environments and how it relates to the role.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
This role focuses on driving continuous improvement initiatives. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've implemented lean principles or improved processes in previous positions.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
