At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate all fabrication activities in a dynamic production environment.
- Company: Established steel fabrication business with a focus on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, senior leadership role, and long-term career opportunities.
- Other info: Hands-on role with autonomy and responsibility in a stable organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing production strategy and driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in production management and strong leadership skills.
A well-established steel fabrication business is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead and coordinate all fabrication and manufacturing activities across its production facility. This is a senior operational role with responsibility for end-to-end production, from receipt of customer orders through to dispatch and aftersales support.
The Role
As Production Manager, you will take full ownership of production planning, execution, and performance across the fabrication operation, ensuring customer requirements are met safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. You will work closely with senior management, quality, HSE, and customer-facing teams to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and control all manufacturing and dispatch activities to meet customer delivery requirements
- Oversee production areas including cutting & folding, welding, blasting & painting, fitting, and dispatch
- Lead and support Production Supervisors, providing direction, coaching, and performance management
- Coordinate production schedules in line with capacity, materials, and labour availability
- Chair regular production meetings and ensure clear communication across departments
- Resolve operational issues and implement effective solutions
- Promote a strong culture of health & safety, quality, and environmental compliance
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives (5S, CI projects, process optimisation)
- Work closely with quality teams to resolve non-conformances and drive zero-defect standards
- Manage resources, manpower, and materials to optimise production efficiency
- Support facility improvements, new ways of working, and adoption of new production technologies
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Proven production management or senior supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment
- Strong technical understanding of fabrication and engineering processes
- Experience managing large shop-floor teams through supervisors
- Ability to read and understand engineering drawings
- Practical understanding of production planning and continuous improvement
- Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
Desirable:
- Background in steel fabrication, heavy engineering, or surface coating
- Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering
- Experience with quality systems, lean manufacturing, and CI tools
- Competent with MS Office and exposure to CAD systems
What's On Offer
Salary of £48,000 - £54,000, depending on experience. Senior leadership role within a well-established fabrication business. Opportunity to influence production strategy and facility development. Hands-on role with autonomy and responsibility. Long-term career opportunity within a stable organisation.
This role would suit an experienced Production Manager, Fabrication Manager, Manufacturing Manager, or Senior Production Supervisor looking to step into a broader leadership position within heavy industry.
Production Manager employer: VANRATH
Join a well-established steel fabrication business in Dungannon, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety, quality, and continuous improvement. As a Production Manager, you will enjoy a competitive salary and the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while influencing production strategies and facility development. With a focus on employee growth and a hands-on approach, this role offers a long-term career path in a stable environment, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
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 VANRATH, 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 VANRATH 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 VANRATH
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with VANRATH, 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 VANRATH 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.
