At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in sheet metal fabrication, ensuring quality and timely production.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking manufacturing company in Greater Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance incentives, and modern facilities.
- Other info: Opportunity for real impact and career growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Shape production strategy and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in production management with strong leadership and planning skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Production Manager with a strong background in sheet metal fabrication to join our growing team. This is a hands-on role in a very fast-paced manufacturing environment, responsible for managing day-to-day production, ensuring quality standards, and delivering work on time and within budget. You’ll lead a team of around 30 skilled shopfloor staff, plan workloads effectively, and drive continuous improvement across operations. The role requires strong leadership, planning, and communication skills, along with the ability to solve technical and organisational challenges quickly.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage all production activities within the sheet metal fabrication department.
- Plan and schedule work orders to ensure on-time delivery.
- Full material stock responsibility.
- Identify and resolve production bottlenecks, re-prioritising work as needed.
- Oversee preventive maintenance and ensure machinery uptime.
- Coordinate subcontractors for surface finishing and outsourced processes.
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Kaizen, 5S).
- Analyse production data using ERP systems to improve efficiency and output.
- Ensure compliance with health & safety and quality standards.
- Motivate, coach, and lead shopfloor teams to achieve business goals.
- Collaborate with management on capacity planning, investment decisions, and automation opportunities.
- Balance customer demand with production capability and staffing levels.
- Participate in tour planning and resource optimisation.
Required Skills & Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ supervisory or management experience in a sheet metal fabrication environment.
- Strong working knowledge of fabrication machinery (press brakes, lasers, punches, welders, etc.).
- Proven experience in planning work orders and achieving on-time delivery.
- Good mechanical knowledge to resolve small equipment issues.
- Experience managing subcontractors and external finishing suppliers.
- Evidence of implementing process improvements and driving continuous improvement.
- Preferably broad knowledge of ISO 9001 standards and associated quality systems and methods.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, capable of managing teams of 20–40 people.
- Proficient in ERP systems and confident using IT for planning, reporting, and analysis.
- Data-driven approach to problem solving and performance improvement.
- Ability to balance customer priorities with production targets.
- Positive, proactive attitude with a genuine interest in business growth and innovation.
Desirable (Not Essential)
- Experience working in a multi-site manufacturing environment.
- Exposure to automation technologies and modern manufacturing systems.
- Valid forklift truck licence.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and performance-related incentives.
- Opportunity to shape production strategy and influence key business decisions.
- Supportive, forward-thinking management team.
- Modern facilities and the chance to implement real improvements.
Production Manager in Rochdale employer: Woodlands Recruitment Solutions
Join a dynamic team at our Pinxton-based manufacturing facility, where we pride ourselves on producing high-quality architectural cast stone products for the construction industry. As an employer, we offer a supportive work culture that values hands-on leadership and encourages employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities. With competitive pay, a company pension, and on-site parking, we are committed to creating a rewarding environment for our Production Manager and their team.
Contact Details:
Woodlands Recruitment Solutions Recruitment Team
