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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production activities and drive efficiency in a growing manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established UK manufacturing business focused on growth and modernisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share, early Friday finish, and supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Shape and scale a manufacturing function while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in production management and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a values-led company.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 52000 £ per year.
Location: Neatishead, Norwich, Norfolk
Type: Full-time | On-site
I am recruiting on behalf of an established UK manufacturing business entering a key phase of growth and operational modernisation. This is a pivotal role for an experienced Production Manager to take full ownership of the manufacturing function and drive performance, efficiency and scalability.
The Role
Reporting into the Head of Operations, you will act as the link between strategic leadership and shop-floor execution. You will own end-to-end production across a 17,000 sq ft facility, with a clear mandate to improve output, margins and operational discipline, while supporting the transition to a data-led, high-performance environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all day-to-day production activity, delivering against cost, quality and OTIF targets.
- Own the full manufacturing process from laminate bonding through CNC cutting, assembly and despatch.
- Align production planning with demand, capacity and labour within a single-shift model.
- Track and improve KPIs including productivity, downtime, waste and labour efficiency.
- Champion lean manufacturing and continuous improvement to remove waste and improve flow.
- Lead, coach and develop the production team, building capability and accountability.
- Own maintenance planning, stock control and machinery reliability.
- Ensure high standards of quality, health & safety and compliance.
- Drive cost control and support investment and automation decisions with data.
About You
Essential
- Proven experience in a Production / Manufacturing Manager role.
- Strong people leadership and operational delivery track record.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
- Confident with production planning, KPIs, maintenance and stock control.
- Hands-on, data-driven and commercially minded.
Desirable
- Experience in joinery, panel processing or CNC-led environments.
- IOSH / NEBOSH, ERP or MRP system experience.
- Background in a growth-phase SME.
What’s On Offer
- £45,000 - £60,000 basic + profit share
- Monday-Friday role (early Friday finish)
- Opportunity to shape and scale a manufacturing function
- Supportive, values-led business with pride in UK manufacturing
Production Manager - Manufacturing employer: UBT
Contact Detail:
UBT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager - Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local manufacturing events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Production Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. We want to show them that you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who’s genuinely interested in their growth and operational modernisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering competency questions. We need to demonstrate your leadership skills and experience in lean manufacturing clearly and concisely. It’s all about showing how you’ve driven performance and efficiency in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. We want to remind them of your enthusiasm for the role and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager - Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Production Manager role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing, lean practices, and any relevant KPIs you've managed. We want to see how you can drive performance and efficiency!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about manufacturing and how your leadership style aligns with our values. Show us how you can lead a team and improve processes.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Whether it's improving output or reducing waste, we love to see quantifiable results. Numbers speak volumes, so let them do the talking for you.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at UBT
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re familiar with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to production management. Be ready to discuss how you've tracked and improved metrics like productivity, downtime, and waste in your previous roles.
✨Lean Manufacturing Insights
Brush up on lean manufacturing principles and be prepared to share specific examples of how you've implemented continuous improvement strategies. This will show that you can drive efficiency and scalability in the manufacturing process.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Think of instances where you've led a team through challenges or changes. Highlight your people leadership experience and how you’ve built capability and accountability within your teams.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the company’s values and mission. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding UK manufacturing pride and operational excellence.
