Production Manager - Precision Engineering Location: North Essex Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 Senior Leadership Team benefits Reports to: General Manager Direct Reports: Planner, Team Leaders & Machinists (20, growing) Join a Growing, High-Performance Engineering Business Our client is an expanding, and we are looking for a forward-thinking Production Manager to join a Senior Leadership Team. This is a key strategic role within a mixed manufacturing environment that spans own-product volume manufacture, high-spec subcontract work, NPI handover, aerospace and defence production. If you're a strong operational leader with deep technical credibility and a passion for driving performance, quality and continuous improvement, we want to hear from you. The Opportunity As Production Manager, you will take full ownership of: ? Daily production output and operational stability ? Continuous improvement and lean optimisation ? Developing a high-performing, multi-skilled production team ? Ensuring compliance with aerospace/defence standards including AS9100 ? Supporting company growth and strategic decision-making You'll work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Planning and the wider SLT to build a scalable, efficient, right-first-time production environment. Key Responsibilities Contribute to business strategy, growth plans and operational improvement. Present clear KPI reporting and performance trends. Own production performance, workflow stability and capacity planning. Oversee smooth NPI handovers and eliminate bottlenecks through structured corrective action. Maintain compliance with AS9100 or equivalent aerospace standards. Embed a zero-compromise, right-first-time quality culture. Lead, coach and develop a skilled team of machinists and team leaders. Conduct performance reviews and address underperformance effectively. Improve labour productivity, machine utilisation and reduce scrap/rework. Protect margins across subcontract and own-product manufacturing. Experience & Qualifications We are looking for someone with: 5 years' production leadership in precision engineering Experience in aerospace and/or defence manufacturing Strong understanding of CNC milling, turning and high-spec component manufacture Confidence using ERP/MRP systems and Excel for KPI reporting Background managing teams of skilled machinists Apply Now This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a senior role within a rapidly growing engineering business where your leadership will have a direct impact on performance, culture and future success. If you're ready to take on this challenge, we'd love to speak with you. Apply today or contact us for a confidential discussion.