Production Manager
Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum (DOE)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
About the Company
A long‑established and highly respected UK‑based engineering and manufacturing organisation is seeking a Production Manager to join its specialist equipment division. The business designs and manufactures precision testing machinery used internationally across a range of industries. With a strong reputation for quality and innovation, the company supplies equipment to global customers and supply chains.
Role Overview
The Production Manager will take responsibility for end‑to‑end production operations, ensuring products are delivered on time, to quality standards, and in line with commercial objectives. This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring a strong engineering background, proven production management experience, and the ability to balance operational delivery with commercial awareness.
Key Responsibilities
* Operational Planning & Delivery
o Oversee full delivery lifecycle from order intake through to installation, commissioning, and service
o Drive improvements in delivery performance and operational efficiency
o Lead cross‑functional planning across engineering, production, procurement, and service teams
o Ensure visibility of capacity, priorities, and risks
* Production & Service Management
o Manage team leads across:
+ Design (mechanical, electrical, software/firmware)
+ Production and assembly
+ Electrical build, calibration, and commissioning
+ Service and technical support
+ Warehousing and fulfilment
o Ensure adherence to quality standards and operational processes
o Monitor and escalation of issues relating to design, suppliers, production, or components
* Commercial & Financial Awareness
o Support achievement of financial targets through operational decision‑making
o Identify and reduce inefficiencies and cost leakage
o Collaborate with sales and logistics teams to optimise margin and delivery
o Contribute to operational input for wider business strategy
* Customer & Market Support
o Support development of service offerings, upgrades, and aftermarket services
o Provide technical input into marketing materials and product positioning
o Work closely with customer‑facing teams to resolve issues efficiently
* Leadership & Development
o Lead, coach, and develop team leaders and operational staff
o Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer focus
o Support training, skills development, and succession planning
o Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
* Continuous Improvement & Compliance
o Drive process improvements while maintaining operational efficiency
o Ensure strong communication between departments (engineering, production, sales, quality, procurement)
o Support compliance with relevant machinery regulations and certification standards (e.g. CE/UKCA)
o Maintain audit readiness for quality and calibration processes
Candidate Requirements
* Essential:
o Degree or equivalent qualification in mechanical and/or electrical engineering
o Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior production or engineering leadership role
o Experience managing both design and manufacturing teams
o Strong planning, coordination, and problem‑solving capabilities
o Commercial awareness (cost control, margins, customer impact)
o Experience with ERP systems
o Background in low‑volume, high‑value manufacturing environments
o Knowledge of machinery regulations (UK/EU/international)
o Right to work in the UK
* Desirable:
o Experience with Microsoft Dynamics / Business Central ERP
o Exposure to P&L accountability
o Knowledge of IoT or emerging technologies
o Experience in precision capital equipment manufacturing
o Involvement in business development or product marketing
Personal Attributes
* Practical and delivery‑focused approach
* Able to balance technical, commercial, and people priorities
* Calm under pressure with strong prioritisation skills
* Proactive mindset with a continuous improvement approach
* Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
* Interest in technology and innovation
* Ambition to progress into broader operational leadership
Benefits
* 25‑30 days annual leave (service‑based)
* Company pension scheme
* Life assurance
* Income protection
* Flexible working hours
* Free on‑site parking
* Potential for international travel
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