At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing manufacturing operation in aerospace and defence.
- Company: Join a well-established manufacturer with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Negotiable salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a commitment to employee wellbeing and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic and advanced manufacturing environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in manufacturing leadership, preferably in aerospace or defence.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
White Raven Resourcing Ltd are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to permanent and fixed term contract recruitment services.
Location: Deeside / Flintshire area (onsite)
Contract Type: Permanent
Department: Operations
About the Opportunity
Our client is a well-established and growing manufacturer operating within the aerospace and defence sector. The organisation specialises in the design, manufacture, assembly, testing, repair and support of highly engineered components and systems supplied to customers worldwide. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead a high-performing manufacturing operation, driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction, safety and quality across assembly, test, development and new product introduction (NPI) activities.
The Role
The Production Manager will be responsible for delivering safe, compliant and efficient manufacturing performance while leading operational improvement through a Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and People (SQCDP) framework. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing teams, improving processes and ensuring exceptional customer outcomes in a highly regulated environment.
Requirements
- Lead daily SQCDP reviews, ensuring performance targets are achieved and recovery plans are implemented where necessary.
- Make data-driven decisions that balance safety, quality, cost, delivery and people objectives.
- Develop, coach and support supervisors and operational teams through performance management, succession planning, training and employee engagement initiatives.
- Foster a positive and proactive safety culture through visible leadership, risk assessments, incident investigations and continuous improvement activities.
- Ensure compliance with AS9100 and applicable ISO standards, maintaining full product conformity, configuration control and traceability.
- Drive operational excellence initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S/6S methodologies, standard work practices and structured root cause analysis.
- Lead manufacturing performance improvements relating to asset utilisation, productivity, inventory control, quality and cost reduction.
- Manage production planning, capacity management, labour planning and schedule adherence to meet customer requirements.
- Promote open communication across the department and wider business.
- Oversee production, testing and development activities, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
- Deliver and exceed key performance indicators, including OEE, First Pass Yield, On-Time Delivery, productivity, quality, labour efficiency and cost performance.
- Ensure compliance with company, customer, regulatory and statutory requirements.
- Support import/export control and trade compliance obligations where applicable.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Programme Management and Logistics teams to support NPI, industrialisation and delivery objectives.
- Structure and manage the team effectively to achieve business goals.
- Champion employee wellbeing, inclusion, learning and professional development.
- Undertake additional management responsibilities as required to support business needs.
Skills & Experience
- Minimum 5 years' manufacturing leadership experience within aerospace, defence or another highly regulated industry.
- Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Working knowledge of AS9100, Lean Manufacturing, Root Cause Analysis and production planning methodologies.
- A proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous learning and development.
- Experience overseeing the assembly and testing of complex electro-mechanical and/or hydro-mechanical products.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Syteline or equivalent.
Desirable
- Experience leading hydro/electrical mechanical assembly operations.
- Six Sigma Green Belt or higher qualification.
- Project Management qualification.
- Sales, Inventory and Operations Planning (SIOP) experience.
- Degree, HNC, HND or equivalent qualification in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing Engineering or a related STEM discipline.
Benefits Package & Additional Information
- Reporting to: Site Leader
- Salary and package negotiable upon experience
- Location: Onsite in the Deeside / Flintshire area.
- Working Hours: 37 hours per week
- Flexibility may be required to support operational requirements and shift activities.
- Opportunity to join a growing organisation operating within a highly advanced manufacturing environment.
Production Manager in Deeside employer: White Raven Resourcing
As a leading player in the insurance sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement, alongside a competitive salary package of up to £90,000. Our supportive culture encourages teamwork and empowers you to make impactful decisions that drive our underwriting strategy forward.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager in Deeside
✨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 White Raven Resourcing, 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 Deeside
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 White Raven Resourcing 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 White Raven Resourcing
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with White Raven Resourcing, 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 White Raven Resourcing 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.
