Production Manager
An exciting opportunity to join a leading global manufacturer of nickel alloys at their European production facility in Herefordshire on full time permanent basis. The role is accountable for leading and motivating production teams to deliver on-time, high-quality output while ensuring a safe, efficient, and continuously improving working environment.
What You Can Expect
* A leadership role within a world-class manufacturing operation.
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
* Responsibility for developing and managing Production Supervisors, Team Leaders, and Operators.
* Involvement in lean manufacturing and process improvement projects.
* A culture that promotes Zero Harm, Zero Defects, and continuous improvement.
* The chance to influence efficiency, safety, and quality across a critical production area.
What You Will Be Doing
* Leading, motivating, and engaging teams through clear communication, shop floor presence, and structured team briefings.
* Ensuring adherence to daily production plans and achieving delivery, quality, and cost targets.
* Driving internal and external quality improvements, cost efficiency measures, and on-time delivery to customer requirements.
* Analysing labour costs and supporting Supervisors in managing staffing levels and labour allocation across the plant.
* Managing recruitment, training, performance appraisals, and career development of team members.
* Overseeing HSE compliance, including risk assessments, accident investigations, and promoting safe systems of work.
* Applying Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement tools (SPC, FMEA, 6S, Lean Sigma) to improve processes.
* Acting as area owner for 6S and Zero Harm, ensuring risks are reduced using structured PDCA methodology.
* Supporting preventative maintenance planning and attending planned maintenance review meetings.
* Managing employee relations, including grievances, disciplinaries, and return-to-work interviews in partnership with HR.
* Building effective working relationships with union representatives.
What We Are Looking For
* Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in engineering, manufacturing, or related discipline.
* Minimum of 2 years’ experience in production or manufacturing leadership.
* Formal leadership or management training/qualification.
* Strong organisational and managerial skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively.
* Proven experience leading teams in a manufacturing environment.
* Knowledge of management systems and standards (ISO9001, ISO14001, OHSAS18001).
* Demonstrated ability to deploy business objectives into clear day-to-day actions.
* Skilled in people management, budget control, and process improvement.
* Continuous improvement mindset with ability to challenge and improve existing processes.
Recruitment Direct are working as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy, you must be able to prove your legal right work in the UK to apply