Production Manager

Lead Production Operations in a Growing Manufacturing Environment

Join a well-established and progressive manufacturing business in Ripley, Derbyshire, during an exciting period of growth and investment. With significant plans for the future, including the installation of additional, high-specification injection moulding machinery, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional with a strong plastics and injection moulding background to play a key role in shaping the future production operation.

Role Overview

Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day management and performance of production across the site. Working closely with the senior management team, lead the production function to ensure the operation delivers safely, efficiently, and consistently against customer requirements. Drive continuous improvement and support the company's ongoing investment and growth plans. This role suits a professional comfortable operating in a fast-paced manufacturing environment who understands the demands of plastics and injection moulding production.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day production operation across the site.
• Lead, manage, and develop the production team, creating a positive, accountable, and high-performing culture.
• Ensure production plans and customer requirements are achieved safely, efficiently, and on time.
• Drive improvements in OEE, productivity, efficiency, waste reduction, and overall equipment performance.
• Manage and optimise injection moulding processes, machinery, and production resources.
• Work closely with Engineering and Maintenance to maximise machine availability and minimise downtime.
• Monitor production performance through relevant KPIs and take action where performance falls below expectations.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities across production.
• Support the introduction, installation, and commissioning of new injection moulding machinery and equipment.
• Ensure production processes meet required quality standards and customer expectations.
• Work closely with Quality, Engineering, Planning, Stores, and other departments to ensure smooth production flow.
• Contribute to longer-term manufacturing strategy and capacity planning as the business continues to invest and grow.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience working as a Production Manager or Manufacturing Manager within a plastics manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of modern injection moulding machinery, processes, and production environments.
• A track record of improving production performance, efficiency, and OEE.
• Experience working closely with Engineering and Maintenance functions.
• A strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and people-management skills.
• A practical, hands-on approach with the ability to operate at both shop-floor and management level.
• The drive and ambition to make a genuine difference within a growing and progressive business.

Why Join

This is a particularly exciting time to join the business. The company is continuing to invest in its manufacturing operation, with additional injection moulding machinery planned for the future. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join at a point where they can influence how the production operation develops rather than simply inherit an established structure.