Kettering
Hours - Monday to Friday 37.5 hrs
Salary up to £50k plus great benefits
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially minded Production Manager to join a highly respected engineering and manufacturing organisation based in Kettering. Operating within a specialist low-volume, high-value manufacturing environment, the business designs, manufactures, and supplies advanced technical equipment to customers across global markets.
This role is ideally suited to a strong operational leader with an engineering background who enjoys balancing technical, commercial, and people responsibilities within a fast-paced and collaborative environment.
The Opportunity
The Production Manager will take responsibility for the end-to-end coordination and delivery of manufacturing and operational activities across multiple departments. Working closely with senior leadership, the successful candidate will oversee planning, production, engineering coordination, service delivery, warehousing, buying, and quality processes to ensure operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
This is a highly visible leadership role with significant scope to influence operational strategy, improve efficiency, and contribute to the continued growth and success of the division.
The role requires a hands-on and proactive leader capable of driving accountability, supporting continuous improvement, and developing high-performing teams while maintaining a strong customer and commercial focus.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Delivery & Production Planning
Lead and coordinate operational delivery from order acceptance through to production, shipment, installation, commissioning, and aftersales support
Ensure production schedules, resource planning, and capacity management are aligned with customer delivery expectations
Develop and improve integrated planning processes across engineering, production, servicing, buying, and warehousing functions
Identify operational risks, bottlenecks, and delivery challenges proactively and implement effective solutions
Ensure accurate tracking and visibility of production priorities, workflow, and timelinesProduction, Engineering & Service Oversight
Provide leadership and support to team leaders and technical departments across:
Mechanical design
Electrical design
Software/Firmware coordination
Mechanical assembly and production
Electrical production and calibration
Commissioning and testing
Technical service and support
Warehousing and fulfilment
Ensure all production and calibration activities are completed in line with established quality standards, operational procedures, and compliance requirements
Support cross-functional collaboration between departments to improve communication and operational efficiency
Drive accountability for production quality, defect reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
Oversee service and technical support operations to ensure customer issues are resolved effectively and professionallyCommercial & Financial Awareness
Support the achievement of operational and financial objectives through effective planning and resource management
Work collaboratively with sales, logistics, and senior leadership teams to balance customer expectations with operational capability and profitability
Identify opportunities to reduce operational inefficiencies and cost leakage through:
Improved planning
Supplier feedback
Internal manufacture vs subcontract decisions
Enhanced service charging clarity
Contribute operational insight to wider commercial and strategic business decisions
Develop greater visibility of margin performance and operational impact on profitabilityCustomer Engagement & Business Support
Support customer satisfaction by ensuring operational delivery commitments are consistently achieved
Work closely with commercial teams to resolve technical or operational customer concerns quickly and effectively
Contribute technical and operational input into product positioning, service offerings, marketing materials, and business development activities
Support the development of aftermarket opportunities including training, upgrades, servicing, and technical support packagesLeadership & Team Development
Lead, mentor, and develop operational team leaders to improve performance, accountability, and communication
Create a positive, commercially aware, and customer-focused culture across the production and service functions
Support succession planning, skills development, and employee training initiatives
Ensure effective communication across departments and with senior stakeholders
Promote continuous improvement and encourage teams to identify and implement operational efficienciesContinuous Improvement & Governance
Support strategic operational and product development initiatives aimed at maintaining competitive advantage
Improve operational consistency while avoiding unnecessary complexity or bureaucracy
Strengthen communication and feedback loops between engineering, sales, production, service, quality, and buying teams
Support compliance and audit readiness activities relating to CE/UKCA regulations and calibration standards
Drive improvements in operational processes, reporting, planning, and performance visibilityCandidate Profile
The successful candidate will be a practical and grounded operational leader with strong technical understanding and the ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
You will demonstrate:
A qualified mechanical and/or electrical engineering background
Minimum 5 years’ experience within a senior production, operations, or manufacturing leadership role
Proven experience managing both engineering/design and production teams
Strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving abilities
Commercial awareness with understanding of operational cost, margin impact, and customer expectations
Experience using ERP systems within a manufacturing environment
Confidence working within a low-volume, high-value manufacturing setting
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively at all levels
Knowledge of machinery regulations and manufacturing compliance standards
Strong IT literacy and interest in evolving technologies and operational systemsDesirable Experience
Experience in any of the following areas would be advantageous:
Business Central ERP systems
Profit & Loss exposure or operational budgeting responsibility
Precision engineering or capital equipment manufacturing
IoT, automation, or machine learning technologies
Product development, product strategy, or business growth initiatives
International service or technical support environmentsWhat’s On Offer
Competitive salary up to £50,000 DOE
25–30 days annual leave (service dependent)
Company pension scheme
Life assurance
Income protection
Flexible working arrangements
Free on-site parking
Opportunity for international travel
Long-term career progression within a growing and innovative engineering businessFor a confidential discussion or to express interest in the opportunity, please apply directly
Salary description
£45000.00 - £50000.00 per year