PRODUCTION MANAGER – SHEET METAL FABRICATION
Location: [Add Location]
£38,000 – £48,000 (DOE)
This isn’t a sit-behind-a-desk production role.
This is hands-on leadership in a fast-paced fabrication environment — where you’re running the floor, solving problems, and making sure everything leaves the building on time and done properly.
If you’ve come up through sheet metal, understand the pressure of production, and can lead from the front… keep reading
THE ROLE
You’ll be taking ownership of day-to-day production across a busy sheet metal fabrication department, leading a team of around 30 on the shopfloor.
This is a role for someone who:
Spots problems early
Keeps production moving
And isn’t afraid to get stuck in when needed
️ WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
Managing all production activity across fabrication
Planning and scheduling workloads to hit deadlines
Taking full responsibility for materials and stock
Identifying bottlenecks and keeping things flowing
Overseeing machine uptime and preventative maintenance
Coordinating subcontractors (finishing, external processes)
Driving continuous improvement (Lean, 5S, Kaizen)
Using ERP systems to track performance and improve output
Ensuring H&S and quality standards are met
Leading, motivating, and developing your team
Working with senior management on capacity, investment & automation In short — you’re the one making sure everything runs like it should.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Solid background in sheet metal fabrication
Experience managing teams (20–40 people)
Strong understanding of:
Press brakes
Lasers
Punches
Welding processes✔ Proven experience in production planning & hitting deadlines
✔ Comfortable using ERP systems
✔ Strong problem-solving mindset (not just spotting issues — fixing them)
✔ Knowledge of ISO 9001 / quality standards
This is for someone who knows the floor, not just the theory.
WHAT WILL MAKE YOU STAND OUT
Experience driving continuous improvement projects
Exposure to automation or modern manufacturing systems
Strong commercial awareness (balancing output, cost & quality)
A leadership style that gets the best out of people WHY THIS ROLE?
Real influence over how production is run
Opportunity to shape processes and make improvements
Supportive leadership team that actually listens
A business that’s growing and investing WHAT’S ON OFFER
£38,000 – £48,000 salary (DOE)
Company pension
On-site parking
Performance-related incentives
Forward Assist Recruitment is operating as an employment agency. Forward Assist Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities employer; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds