Production / Operations Manager (Permanent) - Precision Engineering (Aerospace/Defence)
We're recruiting for a senior, hands-on Production/Operations Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing within a growing precision engineering business. This is a high-accountability role in a regulated aerospace/defence environment, where right-first-time delivery, traceability and disciplined quality standards are essential. You'll take ownership of output, OTIF performance and overtime control, while developing and growing a skilled CNC team.
About the role
You'll lead production across a mixed manufacturing portfolio: volume own-product manufacture, high-spec subcontract machining, and structured NPI handover into production. Working closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality and Planning, you'll stabilise operations and support scalable growth.
Key responsibilities
Lead daily production to deliver stable output and reliable performance
Own OTIF delivery across all workstreams
Drive capacity planning with the Planner (labour, machine time, demand)
Control overtime in line with delivery priorities and margin protection
Deliver structured NPI handover from Technical into Operations
Identify constraints, remove bottlenecks and implement corrective actions
Maintain AS9100 (or equivalent) compliance: traceability, configuration control, FAIR discipline
Coach, develop and retain the shopfloor team via clear standards, 1:1s and reviews
Skills & experience
5+ years' production leadership in precision engineering
Aerospace and/or defence manufacturing background
Strong working knowledge of AS9100 (or equivalent) quality systems
Technical credibility in CNC milling/turning and high-spec components
Confident with ERP/MRP systems and Excel-based reporting
Evidence of improving productivity and controlling overtime spend
Permanent position with a negotiable starting salary dependant on experience. Applicants must have current UK right to work. HRGO are a recruitment agency supporting UK Manufacturing. We aim to respond to all applications.
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