At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic production team and get hands-on with innovative exhibition builds.
- Company: Tecna, a creative leader in exhibition stands and event environments across Europe.
- Benefits: Annual bonus, 25 days leave, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on continuous improvement and quality craftsmanship.
- Why this job: Shape the future of exhibitions while exploring new materials and methods.
- Qualifications: Experience in production management and a passion for creative environments.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Tecna designs and delivers exhibition stands, brand activations and event environments for clients across the UK and Europe.
As our business continues to grow, we’re looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead our production team at our Farnborough headquarters.
This is a genuine split role: roughly half management and half hands-on production.
You'll lead our production team at our Farnborough headquarters while contributing directly to builds alongside an experienced and highly skilled team.
We have strong craft at the heart of our production operation.
What we are looking to add is the layer around it: structured scheduling, effective workflow management, and a broader materials skill set.
You will own the planning and people management, drive continuous improvement, and bring the knowledge and confidence to support the selection of the right materials and methods for each situation, rather than defaulting to the familiar.
We're looking for someone who is on trend with the industry, curious about new materials and methods, and ready to help us explore what's possible.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the production team day-to-day, allocating work, setting priorities, running 1-to-1s and performance reviews, and building a culture of quality and craft.
- Own production scheduling and workflow planning, working closely with the Head of Operations, Install Manager and Projects team to ensure everything is built, finished and dispatched on time.
- Get hands-on in production, contributing directly to the fabrication, finishing and assembly of exhibition components alongside the team.
- Challenge conventional materials and construction methods.
If something needs to look like wood but doesn\'t need to be wood, we want you to know the alternatives and be confident proposing them.
- Identify and trial new substrates, finishes, fabrication techniques and production methods that keep Tecna\'s offering modern, efficient and competitive.
- Manage stock, materials and supplier relationships, maintaining availability, controlling costs and building strong partnerships with specialist suppliers.
- Covered within bullet 1 above.
- Drive continuous improvement across processes, equipment, factory layout and workflow to increase efficiency, quality and productivity.
- Maintain a safe, organised and well-run production environment with high standards of housekeeping and compliance.
What we are looking for
- An instinctive understanding of exhibition build standards.
You know that a stand will be judged at arm's length on a busy show floor, not under a microscope, and you make confident production decisions that deliver the right result without over-investing effort where it will have negligible impact.
- A background in exhibition, events, theatre, film/TV production, props, scenic construction or a related industry where bespoke, visual environments are the end product.
- Experience leading a production or fabrication team, planning workloads, managing people and meeting tight deadlines.
- Materials-agnostic thinking: you\'re as comfortable with foam, GRP, acrylic, fabric structures or printed substrates as you are with timber, and you know when to reach for which.
- Awareness of current trends in experiential and exhibition design. You follow the industry, you know what good looks like, and you have opinions about where things are heading.
- Strong organisational and planning skills with the confidence to own a production schedule and hold a team to it.
- Good IT skills and comfort using business systems for scheduling, stock management and reporting.
- A practical, hands-on approach combined with the ability to step back and improve the systems and processes around you.
- Nice to Have
- Experience with CNC routing, print, finishing or graphics application.
- Familiarity with modular exhibition systems (aluminium framing, tension fabric, similar).
- Experience in scenic construction, props-making or set building for film, TV or theatre.
- Working knowledge of lighting and AV integration within exhibition or event environments.
- Annual bonus based on company performance
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Production Manager in Farnborough employer: Tecna
At Tecna, we pride ourselves on being an innovative and forward-thinking employer located in Farnborough, Hampshire. Our dynamic work culture fosters creativity and collaboration, allowing Project Managers to thrive while working on unique projects that challenge the norm. With comprehensive benefits including Bupa healthcare, a generous pension scheme, and 33 days of annual leave, we are committed to supporting our employees' well-being and professional growth in a vibrant and exciting environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in Farnborough
✨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 Tecna, 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 in Farnborough
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 Tecna 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 Tecna
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Tecna, 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 Tecna 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.
