Hales Group are seeking a proactive hands-on Production Manager to join their client's busy growing team. To be successful in this role, you need to have proven experience in joinery or woodworking, ideally in bespoke or architectural joinery and you will be responsible for planning, scheduling, quality control, health & safety, team leadership and workflow optimisation to deliver custom joinery on time, to spec and on budget.
Salary: £40,000-£50,000 Per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday - 8.30am till 5.30pm
Duties & Responsibilities:
Plan and manage production schedules to meet delivery dates and resource constraints.
Translate technical drawings, customer specs and job packs into production plans.
Supervise and coach workshop staff: joiners, machinists, apprentices and finishers.
Hire, train and conduct performance reviews.
Allocate labour and machines efficiently; monitor throughput and reduce bottlenecks.
Maintain high quality standards: first-off checks, in-process inspections and final sign[1] Implement corrective actions.
Ensure materials are ordered, received and stocked with minimal waste; coordinate with purchasing
Maintain workshop machinery and tools; schedule preventive maintenance and oversee minor repairs.
Enforce health & safety, COSHH and PPE compliance; run toolbox talks and risk assessments.
Manage job costing, labour tracking and support production-related finance reporting.
Liaise with estimators, project managers and site teams to resolve technical issues and changes.
Drive continuous improvement (Lean practices, 5S, waste reduction) and introduce process documentation/standard operating procedures.
Produce daily/weekly production reports and KPIs (on-time delivery, waste rate, labour
utilisation).
Required Skills & Experience:
Strong technical expertise, a proactive approach, and the ability to thrive within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Proven experience (5+ years) in joinery or woodworking production management, ideally in bespoke or architectural joinery.
Strong practical joinery background; ability to read technical drawings and CNC programs.
Experience managing a multi-skill workshop team and apprentices.
Knowledge of timber materials, adhesives, finishes and joinery machinery (planer, thicknesser, CNC, edge bander, spindle moulder, etc.).
Competent with production planning tools, Microsoft Office and basic ERP/job[1]tracking systems.
Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills.
Sound understanding of health & safety regulations and maintenance practices.
Benefits & Package (*Applicable following successful completion of probation):
Currently, our package includes:
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays - (3 days reserved for Christmas shutdown)
Company pension scheme
Company healthcare*
Death in Service scheme*
Training and development opportunities
Permanent role based in Norfolk factory
Reporting directly to the Operations Director As a growing business, they continually review and enhance the benefits we offer our team.
Personal Attributes:
Self-driven, proactive, and reliable
Adaptable and comfortable with variety and change
Inquisitive mindset with a willingness to learn
Honest, trustworthy, and dependable
Persistent, hard-working, and motivated
Open to feedback and new ideas
Clear and confident communicator
Can work with humility and respect
Quick learner with strong determination
Positive attitude and a good sense of humour Our client is a family-run business and take pride in being hands-on throughout every stage of a project, from concept and design through to manufacture and installation. This integrated approach gives clients complete confidence in the quality, creativity, and integrity of our work. Operating from our 500m² manufacturing facility, including an in-house design studio, machine shop, assembly areas, and spray booths, we produce a wide variety of bespoke products across private interiors, commercial interiors, and event sectors.
For more details on this role, please send an updated CV to (url removed) or call (phone number removed)