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- Tasks: Lead production operations and ensure efficient, safe manufacturing processes.
- Company: Join SEA, a leader in advanced defence solutions for a safer world.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in production, ideally within the defence sector.
- Other info: Hybrid work options and a supportive culture focused on innovation and wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
Engineered to Protect, that’s our promise. As Production Manager, you will be accountable for the daily leadership of SEA's production, ensuring manufacturing activities are safe, efficient, controlled and capable of delivering on quality, time, and cost. This position acts as the key operational lead on the shop floor and is pivotal to maintaining predictable delivery performance in a low volume, high variety defence manufacturing environment. The Production Manager will be based at our Barnstaple site with an on-site presence required through the week.
Responsibilities:
- Leadership of Production Operations – lead production activities, maintaining a strong presence to support issue resolution and provide direction.
- Manufacturing Execution and Flow Management – execute the production schedule, monitor and ensure compliance to build standards documentation and config control.
- Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement – support root-cause investigation and corrective actions, promote right-first-time behaviours, and champion 5S, ensuring compliance with ISO9001 and AS9100-aligned production standards.
- People Leadership – coach and guide the Cell Leaders and production staff, conduct regular 1:1s and development discussions, and motivate the capability toward SEA's vision and objectives.
About our company:
At SEA, we develop and deliver advanced solutions to make our world safer, cleaner and more efficient. We provide state-of-the-art applications for naval ship and fleet protection, and undersea surveillance systems. In-service across the globe, our systems deliver a rapid response to threats and system effectiveness and interoperation. Our systems support an ever-growing number of navies across the world, and we continue to bolster our already specialist, on-the-ground knowledge of key overseas markets.
What we offer:
- Benefits – At our core, we encourage innovation, flexibility and out-of-the-box thinking to solve problems, so we’re always looking for talented, flexible, and creative people to bring their best to SEA. In return we offer generous rewards, a fantastic work/life balance, and excellent career and training opportunities for everyone who joins.
- Work life balance – Hybrid/flexible working arrangements. 25 days’ annual leave, plus buy and sell; Up to 16 days flexi leave accrual; Half day Fridays. Reservists in the Armed Forces receive special paid leave.
- Family & wellbeing – Private medical health insurance & Employee Assistance Program. All Staff Bonus; Group Pension Plan of up to 7% employer contribution; Cycle to work scheme; Wellbeing Centre; Sports & Social activities. Employee Discounts portal - online and in-store discounts, travel savings; Life assurance policy; Publication and recruitment bonus rewards.
- Development opportunities, including LinkedIn learning; Facilities & resources – Electric vehicle charging points at all sites; Private seated lunch areas; Onsite bistro (Barnstaple office) and free hot and cold beverages; Onsite showers and toiletries provision; Free onsite parking.
The skills you need:
- Strong experience in leading a production capability, ideally in a relevant/related industry to defence.
- A vision to implement and embed lean thinking/principles into production activities.
- Ability to lead, inspire and support a large team toward right-first-time approach with a continuous improvement mindset.
If you’d like to know more, please contact Dave from our Talent Acquisition Team or reach out via the provided contact details.
Production Manager in Barnstaple employer: Systems Engineering & Assessment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Systems Engineering & Assessment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in Barnstaple
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out to current employees at SEA. A personal connection can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research SEA’s values and recent projects. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission of safety and efficiency. Practise answering common questions and have some examples ready that showcase your leadership and continuous improvement skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for production management! When you get the chance to chat with recruiters or during interviews, express your enthusiasm for leading teams and implementing lean principles. Let them see that you’re not just looking for a job, but a place where you can make an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply 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 SEA and being part of our mission to protect and innovate.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager in Barnstaple
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Production Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading production operations and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to maintain quality and efficiency.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for SEA. Share specific examples of how you've implemented lean principles or led teams in a similar environment, and don’t forget to express your passion for making the world safer and more efficient!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your people leadership experience. We want to see how you've coached and motivated teams, so share those success stories that demonstrate your ability to inspire others.
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 the SEA team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Systems Engineering & Assessment Ltd
✨Know Your Production Principles
Make sure you brush up on lean manufacturing principles and how they apply to production management. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented these principles in past roles, especially in a defence or similar environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you motivate teams. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team through challenges, resolved conflicts, or improved performance. This is your chance to demonstrate your people skills!
✨Understand Quality Standards
Familiarise yourself with ISO9001 and AS9100 standards, as well as any relevant compliance requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured quality and compliance in previous roles, and how you would champion these standards at SEA.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their current production challenges, how they measure success, or what continuous improvement initiatives are in place. This shows you're engaged and serious about contributing to their mission.