Production Manager

We are looking to recruit an experienced Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations within a busy, quality-focused production environment.

This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for delivering safe, efficient and reliable production while developing people, improving processes and driving a strong culture of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement.

The successful candidate will be an experienced manufacturing leader who is comfortable managing day-to-day operational challenges while also identifying and delivering longer-term improvements in productivity, quality, cost and overall operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets are achieved safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards.
Manage, coach and develop production teams, including supervisors, team leaders and operators.
Drive a positive culture around health & safety, quality, delivery, cost and people development.
Plan and coordinate production resources to meet customer demand and manufacturing schedules.
Monitor production KPIs and take appropriate action to address performance gaps.
Lead and embed Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles across the production environment.
Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, increase capacity and improve process flow.
Lead structured improvement activities using appropriate Lean/CI tools and methodologies.
Reduce downtime, scrap, rework and other forms of operational waste.
Work closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain and other functions to resolve production issues and improve overall plant performance.
Support root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable corrective actions.
Ensure appropriate production standards, procedures and processes are established and consistently followed.
Develop team capability through coaching, performance management, training and succession planning.
Support the introduction of new products, equipment and manufacturing processes where required.
Contribute to wider site operational strategy, budgeting and improvement plans.
About You

Proven experience in a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager or similar production leadership role.
Strong experience within a manufacturing or engineering-led production environment.
Demonstrable knowledge and practical application of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement (CI).
Experience using Lean tools and techniques such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Visual Management, Root Cause Analysis and waste reduction.
A strong track record of delivering measurable improvements in manufacturing performance.
Experience managing production KPIs across areas such as safety, quality, delivery, productivity, efficiency, scrap and downtime.
Strong people leadership skills with the ability to engage, coach and develop production teams.
A structured, data-driven approach to problem solving and decision making.
Good commercial awareness and an understanding of the relationship between operational performance, cost and customer service.
The ability to balance daily production requirements with longer-term improvement initiatives.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across multiple departments