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Production Manager - Edwards, Eastbourne
About the Role
The Production Manager plays a pivotal role within the Eastbourne Product Company, where they are responsible for overseeing multiple production zones and leading a team of Team Leaders and production staff across PCA and Finals. This position operates within Edwards' Vacuum Technique Business Area, supporting a diverse range of market-facing divisions including Scientific Vacuum, Industrial Vacuum, Semicon, Semicon Service, and Vacuum Technique Service. The role demands strong leadership, operational expertise, and effective cross‑functional collaboration to ensure the delivery of high‑quality products and meet customer expectations.
As a key operational leader, you will manage and coordinate production activities while ensuring optimal resource utilisation, safety compliance, and quality standards across the site. The Production Manager is accountable for both direct line management of Team Leaders and indirect oversight of a broader production workforce, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and engagement.
Daily responsibilities include planning, prioritising workloads, monitoring performance metrics, resolving operational issues, and driving lean manufacturing practices using VTPS methodologies. You will work closely with multiple internal functions such as Planning, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and Human Resources. In addition, the role involves occasional collaboration with global teams across Asia, Europe, and the Americas to align production strategies and share best practices.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, develop, and motivate a diverse team of Team Leaders and production staff to achieve operational targets and maintain high standards of safety and quality.
* Drive continuous improvement through Lean and VTPS routines, facilitating root‑cause analysis and implementing corrective actions to enhance process efficiency.
* Manage labour costs and departmental budgets, balancing operational needs with financial performance objectives.
* Ensure compliance with relevant safety standards, including ISO 45001:2018, and quality standards such as ISO 9001:2018.
* Collaborate proactively with Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to optimise production scheduling, materials availability, and workflow control.
* Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) including output volume, On Time In Full (OTIF), quality metrics, and labour utilisation.
* Maintain audit readiness and uphold regulatory compliance across all production activities.
* Champion employee engagement initiatives, coaching, mentoring, and supporting team members' professional development.
* Lead recruitment, performance management, and employee relations matters in a fair and professional manner.
Required Qualifications and Experience
* Minimum of 5 years' experience within a multidisciplinary manufacturing environment, ideally in production leadership roles.
* Proven track record of managing frontline leaders such as Team Leaders with strong capability in coaching, mentoring, performance management, and recruitment.
* Demonstrated ability to lead problem‑solving efforts, including root‑cause investigations and implementation of continuous improvement projects.
* Experience working with Lean manufacturing principles, including VTPS or equivalent continuous improvement methodologies.
* Strong knowledge of production planning, labour utilisation, and workflow control to drive operational efficiency.
* Competent user of MRP/ERP systems, preferably SAP, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with high proficiency in spoken and written English.
* Comprehensive understanding of safety and quality compliance standards such as ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 9001:2018.
Desirable Qualifications
* Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related discipline.
* Level 5 qualification or equivalent in Operations or Leadership and Management.
* Lean Yellow Belt certification or higher.
* Knowledge of surface‑mount technology (SMT) and through‑hole technology advantageous.
Employee Benefits
* Generous pension scheme
* Annual performance bonus
* Health cash plan benefits
* Subsidised canteen facilities
* Cycle to work scheme
* Recognitions programme with opportunities to earn gifts, vouchers, and long service awards
* 33 days of annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
* Comprehensive wellbeing programme supporting physical, mental, and social health
Edwards is dedicated to creating a workplace for everyone. We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to our success and invite applications from candidates seeking both full‑time and job‑share roles.
Diverse by nature and inclusive by choice. Bright ideas come from all of us. The more unique perspectives we embrace, the more innovative we are. Together we build a culture where difference is valued and we share a deep sense of purpose and belonging.
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