Production Manager – Ipswich (Salary: £50,000‑£52,000 + benefits). Recruiting on behalf of a leading UK rail engineering provider. GTS Transportation is proud to support a major rail engineering organisation in their search for an experienced Production Manager to lead operations at their site in Ipswich. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and forward‑thinking leader to take ownership of day‑to‑day production performance, ensuring the safe, efficient, and high‑quality maintenance of locomotives and wagons.
What you'll be doing
* Lead daily production activity to deliver reliable, on‑time maintenance across a varied fleet.
* Embed a strong safety culture and ensure all work meets strict regulatory and quality standards.
* Track key performance indicators, analyse trends, and drive actions that enhance output and efficiency.
* Provide clear leadership, coaching, and direction to production teams, encouraging professional growth and consistent performance.
* Manage schedules, resources, and priorities to minimise downtime and maximise productivity.
* Work collaboratively with planning, logistics, and engineering teams to align maintenance plans with operational demands.
* Oversee subcontractors and third‑party partners, ensuring service levels and costs remain controlled.
* Lead root‑cause investigations and champion continuous improvement initiatives, including lean methodologies.
* Act as the main production contact for internal teams, customers, and auditors.
* Support wider strategic initiatives, budget planning, and cross‑site knowledge sharing.
Participation in a weekend production call rota is required.
What we're looking for
* Strong leadership experience within a production, engineering, or heavy‑industry environment.
* Solid understanding of rolling stock, traction, or related mechanical/electrical engineering disciplines.
* Engineering qualifications such as NVQ Level 3+, HNC/HND or equivalent.
* Confident communicator with excellent decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.
* Proven background in implementing continuous improvement or lean techniques.
* Safety‑driven mindset and commitment to delivering exceptional service.
* Willingness to undergo standard pre‑employment checks (medical, D&A, DBS, references).
Why apply through GTS Transportation?
* Competitive salary of £50,000‑£52,000.
* Opportunity to join a respected, well‑established rail engineering operation.
* A supportive environment with real scope for career growth.
If you're an influential leader who thrives in a fast‑paced engineering environment and wants to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now through GTS Transportation; email Alice Wright at alice.w@gts-search.com.
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