Production Manager

About Us

F C Newell & Son Ltd is a small, family‑run subcontract precision engineering company with over 60 years of experience. Based in Wincanton, Somerset, we manufacture high‑precision components for a wide range of industries. Our reputation is built on craftsmanship, reliability, and long‑standing customer relationships.

As an ISO 9001 accredited company, quality and consistency are at the heart of everything we do. We are a close‑knit team that values integrity, pride in workmanship, and a hands‑on approach to problem‑solving.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Production Manager to lead our machining operations and ensure the smooth, efficient, and high‑quality delivery of customer orders. This is a key leadership role within the business, responsible for planning workflow, coordinating the team, maintaining standards, and driving continuous improvement across the shop floor.

You will work closely with the Managing Director, Quality Manager, and CNC team to ensure production targets are met without compromising quality or safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and oversee daily production activities across CNC milling, turning, and manual machining

• Ensure jobs are completed on time, to specification, and within quality standards

• Coordinate workload, allocate tasks, and support machinists with technical guidance

• Work closely with the Quality Manager to maintain ISO 9001 compliance and support audits

• Monitor workflow, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements to efficiency and productivity

• Ensure accurate job documentation, routing, and traceability

• Support first‑off, in‑process, and final inspections where required

• Liaise with customers and suppliers on production‑related matters

• Maintain a safe, clean, and well‑organised workshop environment

• Lead, motivate, and develop the production team, fostering a positive and collaborative culture

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across processes, tooling, and workflow

About You

• Proven experience in a production management or supervisory role within precision engineering or machining

• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes (milling and turning)

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings

• Excellent organisational and planning skills

• Confident communicator with the ability to lead, motivate, and support a small team

• Practical, hands‑on approach with strong problem‑solving ability

• Experience working within an ISO 9001 environment

• Calm under pressure, adaptable, and committed to maintaining high standards

• Knowledge of tooling, programming principles, or scheduling software is beneficial

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience

• Company sick pay after 6 months

• Healthcare scheme (currently Vitality) after 1 year

• Early finish on Fridays

• Supportive, family‑run working environment

• Long‑term stability within a well‑established business

• Opportunity to shape and strengthen production processes and team development