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Futures recruitment are working with a leading manufacturer specialising in high-value, low-volume products that demand exceptional precision, craftsmanship, and operational discipline. They are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead their manufacturing operations, driving team performance, operational excellence, and a culture of continuous improvement.
This position requires a strong people-focused leader who can get the very best out of production teams while implementing structured processes that improve quality, efficiency, and overall output.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and develop a multi-skilled production team, fostering a high-performance culture.
- Conduct regular coaching, performance reviews, and skills development planning.
- Promote a positive, collaborative working environment focused on accountability and mutual respect.
- Oversee day-to-day production activities to ensure delivery of high-quality products on time and to specification.
- Ensure labour, machinery, and materials are deployed effectively to support production schedules.
- Monitor and control key production KPIs (efficiency, output, downtime, scrap rates).
- Lead and embed continuous improvement initiatives across the shop floor, using methodologies such as Lean, 5S, Kaizen, and root-cause analysis.
- Introduce best practice manufacturing processes suitable for high-value, low-volume environments.
- Ensure all production activities comply with internal quality standards, customer specifications, and relevant industry regulations.
- Collaborate closely with the Quality department to achieve and maintain robust inspection and quality assurance processes.
Skills and qualifications:
- Proven experience as a Production Manager (or similar leadership role) within high-value, low-volume manufacturing (e.g., aerospace, precision engineering, automotive, defence, medical devices, luxury products).
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop teams.
- Demonstrated experience implementing continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong understanding of quality management principles and production control processes.
- Hands-on, proactive approach with a willingness to be visible and engaged on the shop floor.
- Formal CI / Lean certification.
