At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production operations, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality standards.
- Company: Reputable British engineering firm known for precision and reliability.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate and immediate start opportunity.
- Other info: Opportunity for hands-on problem-solving and operational improvement.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact in a dynamic production environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in production management and team leadership.
- Interim Production Manager – Engineering Manufacturing
- Immediate Start
- Southampton | Competitive Day Rate | Immediate Opportunity
Experienced. Hands-on. Organised. Dependable.
We're looking for an experienced Interim Production Manager who can step into an established engineering operation, take ownership and keep everything running smoothly while we recruit a permanent appointment.
This is an opportunity for a capable, pragmatic professional who knows how to quickly get to grips with a business, establish priorities, support the team and maintain operational performance.
No grand transformation programme required. We need someone who can bring structure, consistency and sound judgement to a busy production environment.
The Company
Our client is a highly regarded British engineering business designing and manufacturing specialist load monitoring and subsea systems used around the world.
Their products operate in demanding environments where precision, reliability and quality are critical.
With a turnover approaching £5 million, the business has an established production team and a strong reputation for technical excellence.
The Assignment
Your priority will be to provide steady, effective leadership of the production function, ensuring customer commitments are met, quality standards maintained and the team has the direction and support needed to perform.
You'll quickly familiarise yourself with existing processes, understand the immediate priorities and take responsibility for the smooth day-to-day running of production.
We're looking for someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves, making sensible decisions and resolving issues before they become problems.
- What You'll Be Responsible For
- Production delivery: Manage daily production activities, schedules and resources to ensure customer orders are completed on time and to specification.
- Team leadership: Provide clear direction, support and accountability to the production team, maintaining morale, productivity and effective communication.
- Planning and priorities: Keep production schedules realistic and achievable, balancing workloads, capacity and changing customer requirements.
- Stock and materials: Maintain effective oversight of stock availability, production kitting and material requirements to avoid unnecessary delays.
- Quality and standards: Ensure established quality procedures are followed, addressing non-conformances and maintaining high standards of workmanship.
- Operational problem-solving: Deal promptly and practically with day-to-day issues, removing obstacles and keeping production moving.
- Performance management: Monitor key production KPIs, identify emerging concerns and maintain clear communication with senior management.
- Continuous improvement: Make sensible, practical improvements where appropriate, without creating unnecessary disruption to the operation.
- Handover: Maintain clear records and provide a structured handover to the incoming permanent Production Manager.
- Who We're Looking For
You'll be an established Production Manager, ideally with previous interim experience, who is confident stepping into an unfamiliar environment and becoming effective quickly.
You'll bring
- A strong background in engineering or technical manufacturing, ideally within an SME.
- Proven experience managing production teams of 10+ people.
- Excellent production planning, scheduling and resource management skills.
- Sound knowledge of stock control, quality management and manufacturing processes.
- A practical understanding of ERP systems and production reporting.
- The confidence to make decisions, prioritise effectively and manage competing demands.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to quickly establish credibility with an existing team.
- The Right Approach Matters
We're particularly interested in someone who is
- Calm and assured: Brings stability, sound judgement and a measured approach to operational challenges.
- Hands-on and practical: Happy to be visible on the shop floor and involved in the detail.
- Well organised: Creates clarity around priorities, responsibilities and deadlines.
- People focused: Builds trust quickly, listens to the team and provides supportive, consistent leadership.
- Solutions oriented: Focuses on what needs to happen rather than overcomplicating matters.
- Adaptable: Understands the nature of interim assignments and can work effectively within existing structures.
You'll know when to take action, when to involve others and when to leave well-established processes alone.
Why This Assignment?
This is a clearly defined interim opportunity with a straightforward objective: maintain a well-run, productive operation and provide dependable leadership during a recruitment transition.
You'll be trusted to take ownership of the day-to-day production function, work closely with the existing team and ensure the business continues to deliver for its customers.
Interested?
If you're an experienced Production Manager with the availability, confidence and practical approach to make an immediate contribution, we'd like to hear from you
Production Manager employer: Top Talent for Business
Top Talent for Business is an attractive employer due to its focus on professional growth and hands-on leadership opportunities. Employees have the chance to work in a dynamic environment where their contributions directly impact the company's future. The competitive salary and benefits package further enhance its appeal as a workplace.
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 Top Talent for Business, 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 Top Talent for Business 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 Top Talent for Business
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Top Talent for Business, 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 Top Talent for Business 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.
