Production Manager
Manufacturing | Thermoforming | Aerospace | Operations Leadership
What's On Offer
- £45,000 - £50,000 basic salary.
- Company Pension.
- Sick Pay.
- On-site Parking.
- Supportive leadership team.
- Long-term career development.
- Opportunity to influence manufacturing strategy.
- Stable and growing business with continued investment.
5S Recruitment is proud to be partnering with an established and growing manufacturing business that is looking to appoint an experienced Production Manager to lead its production operation during an exciting period of continued growth. This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious manufacturing leader who enjoys taking ownership of production performance, developing people and driving continuous improvement within a technically advanced manufacturing environment. Working closely with senior management, engineering, quality, planning, supply chain, customers and suppliers, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring production operates safely, efficiently and consistently delivers on quality, cost and customer expectations. This role is ideal for a Production Manager who wants to make a genuine impact rather than simply maintain the status quo.
The Opportunity
As Production Manager you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the manufacturing operation, ensuring production plans are achieved while continuously improving efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction. You will lead from the factory floor, developing a high-performing production team while implementing best practice manufacturing processes and driving operational excellence across the business. This position offers genuine autonomy and the opportunity to influence future manufacturing strategy within a growing organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop production teams to achieve world-class standards in safety, quality, delivery and productivity.
- Plan, coordinate and manage daily manufacturing activities to meet production schedules and customer delivery commitments.
- Drive improvements in productivity, labour utilisation and manufacturing efficiency.
- Monitor production KPIs, analyse performance trends and implement corrective actions where required.
- Champion Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and 5S initiatives throughout the business.
- Work closely with customers to ensure delivery expectations are achieved while resolving production-related issues professionally and efficiently.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers to improve quality, responsiveness and delivery performance.
- Work alongside Engineering, Quality, Planning, Supply Chain and Commercial teams to support operational objectives.
- Identify manufacturing bottlenecks and implement sustainable process improvements.
- Ensure products consistently meet customer quality standards and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain a positive Health & Safety culture while ensuring compliance with company procedures and legislation.
- Develop, coach and mentor production personnel to maximise engagement and performance.
What We're Looking For
We're keen to speak with experienced manufacturing professionals who have previously held positions such as:
- Production Manager
- Manufacturing Manager
- Operations Manager
- Factory Manager
- Production Shift Manager
- Senior Production Supervisor
You'll be a visible leader who enjoys solving problems, improving processes and building high-performing teams.
Essential Experience
- Proven experience managing production within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
- Experience managing production planning, scheduling and manufacturing performance.
- Excellent customer and supplier relationship management skills.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs and operational reporting.
- Experience using ERP and/or MRP systems.
- Knowledge of quality systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Excellent organisational, planning and communication skills.
- Strong Microsoft Office capability.
Highly Desirable
- Thermoforming manufacturing experience.
- Aerospace manufacturing experience.
- Lean Manufacturing implementation.
- Continuous Improvement projects.
- 5S implementation.
- IOSH or NEBOSH qualification.
Why Apply Through 5S Recruitment?
At 5S Recruitment, we specialise exclusively in Engineering, Manufacturing and Plastics recruitment. With over 16 years' specialist experience, we understand the challenges of manufacturing leadership and work closely with both clients and candidates to ensure every opportunity is the right long-term fit. You'll receive honest advice throughout the recruitment process, full interview preparation and regular communication from initial application through to offer and onboarding. If you're an experienced Production Manager looking for a role where your leadership can genuinely shape a growing manufacturing business, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.