Production Manager

Our client are a leading manufacturer providing specialist solutions to a variety of industries such as aerospace, power generation, rail and oil and gas industries. They are looking for a meticulous Production Manager to join their team on a permanent basis.

Production Manager
Salary dependant on experience
Permanent Position
Monday – Thursday 8am-4:30pm, Friday 1:30pm finish
Competitive Salary, 25 days holiday +bank Holidays
4x annual salary life assurance, pension
Towcester

Scope of Role:
Oversee day-to-day and month-to-month site operations as the single point of accountability for performance, providing strong leadership across production disciplines to improve safety, quality, and efficiency while reducing costs and work-in-progress through the implementation of LEAN manufacturing tools. Coordinate support functions to align resources with site priorities, ensure sufficient capacity and capability to meet demand plans, manage staff and production cell activities, and support new product introductions and prototype development as required.

Production & Operational Management

• Manage overall site performance and key operational KPIs, including safety, on-time delivery (OTD), lead times, quality, operational costs, revenue, work-in-progress (WiP), and OPEX savings.
• Lead the implementation of LEAN principles and Operational Excellence tools (e.g., 5S, TPM, RCCA, capacity planning, waste reduction, one-piece flow) to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Ensure site capacity and capability meet demand plans and drive improvements in on-time, on-quality delivery.
• Promote a proactive EH&S culture across the site.
• Support operational change initiatives to meet future customer expectations in technology, costs, quality, and service.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to set and develop operations strategies, policies, and practices to improve productivity and effectiveness.
• Assist in the preparation, monitoring, and analysis of budgetary plans and forecasts for major KPIs.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of physical and digital stock to minimize variances and operational risks.
• Provide leadership in decision-making related to operational performance, functional strategies, and capital spend.
• Represent the organization at conferences, meetings, corporate reviews, committees, and working groups as required.

 
Team Leadership & Staff Management

• Lead and motivate the Production department, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop departmental skills and capability through coaching, training, and performance management using company appraisal systems.
• Plan and manage departmental resources to meet business needs efficiently.
• Oversee production through major change programs, including technology initiatives, investments, and outsourcing programs.
• Promote and implement Lean manufacturing and supply chain processes throughout the department.
• Assist in establishing and monitoring departmental and project budgets.

Direct Reports

• 2 Cell Leaders; total team of approximately 20–30 employees.

Experience:

• 5 years production leadership
• Experience of leading new or rapidly growing manufacturing location
• Previous responsibility for support functions
• Ability to instil and develop site culture
• Experience of Aerospace or other regulated industries (food, Pharma, Automotive)
• Experience of process improvements using CI / Lean skills
• Able to drive collaboration and engagement
• Solution and strategic focussed.

Working hours:

• Monday – Thursday 8am – 4.30pm
• Friday 8am – 1.30pm

Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• 9% pension
• 4x annual salary life assurance
• Private medical