At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production operations, improve efficiency, and ensure high-quality standards.
- Company: Established specialist manufacturing business in Cheltenham with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent position, ongoing training, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Why this job: Take ownership of production performance and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in production management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
Production capacity
- Monitor production performance and identify bottlenecks
- Ensure products meet customer specifications and required quality standards
- Support ISO and industry-specific quality requirements
- Drive Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives
- Implement and maintain tools including 5S, Visual Management, Standard Work and Kaizen
- Monitor machine utilisation and downtime
- Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions
- Manage material allocation and stock requirements
- Ensure production documentation and traceability records are accurately maintained
- Monitor and report key production KPIs
- Lead daily production meetings
- Support succession planning and employee training
- Identify cost-saving and efficiency improvement opportunities
- Promote teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement throughout production
What we are looking for:
- Previous experience in a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager or similar production leadership role
- Strong experience managing and developing production teams
- Good understanding of production planning and scheduling
- Experience managing labour, machinery and manufacturing capacity
- Strong technical and problem-solving skills
- Experience working with production KPIs and performance measures
- Good understanding of Health & Safety within an industrial environment
- Strong focus on quality, productivity and customer delivery
- Excellent organisation and time-management skills
- Ability to remain calm and make decisions under pressure
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Good Microsoft Office and general IT skills
- Full, clean UK driving licence
Desirable but not essential:
- Experience within an industrial or manufacturing environment
- Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement experience
- Knowledge of OEE, 5S, Kaizen and structured root cause analysis
- Health & Safety qualification or willingness to undertake further training
- Bachelors degree or relevant technical qualification
An established specialist manufacturing business based in Cheltenham is seeking an experienced Production Manager to take responsibility for day-to-day production operations. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on production planning, team management, quality, continuous improvement, resource utilisation and ensuring customer orders are delivered safely, efficiently and on time. Working closely with the Managing Director and wider operational team, you will lead production activity, improve productivity, reduce waste and support the continued growth of the business.
The role:
- You will take overall responsibility for production performance, ensuring manufacturing schedules are achieved while maintaining high standards of quality, health & safety and customer service.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage daily and weekly production schedules to achieve On Time In Full (OTIF) delivery
- Lead, coach and develop production team leaders and operators
- Manage labour, machinery, materials and packaging industry experience is not required. More important is your ability to lead people, improve production performance, solve problems and consistently deliver high-quality results.
What's on offer:
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience
- Permanent position
- Opportunity to take ownership of production performance
- Ongoing training and development
- The opportunity to join an established specialist manufacturing business and contribute directly to its continued growth
Production Manager employer: SWIFT
At Swift, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional growth, we provide ample opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and global learning, ensuring that every team member can contribute to our mission of enhancing the financial ecosystem. Our commitment to diversity, employee engagement, and a supportive environment makes Swift a truly rewarding place to build your career in the heart of Belgium's financial sector.
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 SWIFT, 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 SWIFT 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 SWIFT
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with SWIFT, 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 SWIFT 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.