Production Manager
Location: Crawley, West Sussex, UK
Type: Full-time | Permanent
A leading British manufacturer of luxury architectural hardware, specialising in bespoke brass products and high-quality finishes for global residential, hospitality, and commercial markets.
Operating in a high-mix, low-volume (HMLV) environment, our work is defined by craftsmanship, precision, and uncompromising quality. This is a fast-paced, detail-driven setting where strong planning, control, and leadership are essential to consistently meet demanding customer expectations.
Important to Know
This role is best suited to someone who enjoys being close to the work and taking ownership of outcomes. If you are looking for a purely oversight or corporate leadership position, this is unlikely to be the right fit.
The Opportunity
We are open on level and compensation for the right individual. This role could suit an experienced Production Manager or a highly capable senior operator ready to step up.
What matters most is your ability to combine clear thinking with hands-on delivery.
This is not a purely managerial or “corporate” position. You will be expected to take full ownership of production performance, setting direction, solving problems on the ground, and ensuring work gets delivered to the required standard.
If you enjoy complexity, pace, and accountability, and take pride in running a tight, efficient operation—this role offers high visibility and real impact.
Role Overview
The Production Manager is responsible for leading and optimising all production activities to ensure customer orders are delivered On Time In Full (OTIF), to the highest quality standards, and within cost and capacity targets.
You will lead performance across manufacturing, finishing, assembly, and dispatch, with a strong focus on planning, control, and continuous improvement in a high-mix, low-volume environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead production planning, scheduling, and shop-floor control to maximise efficiency and delivery performance
* Actively manage day-to-day operations, removing blockers, resolving issues, and maintaining flow
* Optimise workflows across manufacturing, finishing, assembly, and logistics
* Drive continuous improvement to increase productivity, capacity, and process efficiency
* Embed quality at source, reducing defects and rework
* Lead, develop, and motivate teams, setting clear expectations and accountability
* Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards
* Collaborate cross-functionally to support overall business performance
What Success Looks Like
* Strong OTIF delivery performance
* Measurable improvements in quality (PPM, defect reduction)
* Increased productivity and operational efficiency
* Effective capacity utilisation and throughput
* High standards of health & safety maintained
Skills & Experience
* 5+ years’ experience in a senior production or manufacturing role
* Strong background in HMLV, bespoke, or job-lot manufacturing environments
* Proven track record of improving planning, processes, and productivity
* Confident working both strategically and at shop-floor level
* Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and cost control
* Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production operations
Personal Attributes
* Highly organised, detail-driven, and results-focused
* Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-critical environment
* Practical, hands-on, and solution-oriented
* Strong communicator with a proactive mindset
* Resilient, decisive, and committed to high standards
Please note: There is no sponsorship available for this position. You must have the right to work in the United Kingdom.