Production Manager

Lead a Multi-Faceted Production Operation

Take ownership of a growing engineering-led manufacturing business in Derbyshire, driving improvements in performance, productivity, and operational efficiency. This role is designed for an ambitious, hands-on leader ready to bring fresh thinking and a continuous improvement mindset to a specialist industrial manufacturing environment. You will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and ongoing development of the operation, ensuring delivery against key objectives in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of production across multiple assembly, testing, and specialist manufacturing operations.
• Take ownership of safety, quality, delivery, cost, and overall manufacturing performance.
• Drive daily production planning, capacity management, labour utilisation, and resource allocation.
• Develop and embed a culture of continuous improvement, utilising Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to improve production flow, manufacturing layouts, productivity, equipment utilisation, and operational efficiency.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators, including schedule adherence, productivity, first-pass yield, scrap, rework, and on-time delivery.
• Develop and coach production supervisors and team leaders, building accountability, capability, and engagement throughout the team.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, and Logistics to improve material flow, new product introduction, and manufacturing readiness.
• Ensure robust manufacturing processes, work instructions, traceability, and quality standards are maintained.
• Lead improvement projects that support increased manufacturing capacity, investment in equipment, and future business growth.

Profile of the Ideal Candidate

This position is suited to experienced Production or Manufacturing Managers who have operated within an engineering-led or technically complex manufacturing environment. You will ideally bring:

• Proven experience leading a production or manufacturing operation within an engineering, assembly, or precision manufacturing environment.
• A strong track record of improving manufacturing performance through Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• The ability to translate operational objectives into practical shop-floor improvements and measurable results.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience developing supervisors, team leaders, and wider production teams.
• A good understanding of production planning, capacity management, ERP/MRP systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 quality environment, with an appreciation of product certification and traceability requirements.
• A proactive, hands-on approach, with the confidence to challenge existing practices and drive positive change.

Desirable Experience

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt qualification.
• Process Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering knowledge.
• Experience within high-mix, low-to-medium-volume manufacturing or electro-mechanical assembly.
• Experience supporting the introduction of new products, production cells, or manufacturing facilities.
• Exposure to highly regulated, safety-critical products.

What is on Offer

• Competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing manufacturing organisation.
• The chance to play a key role in shaping and improving manufacturing operations.