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.
