This role is responsible for the manufacture, assembly, build, and despatch of all Schmalz Ltd bespoke materials handling equipment and spare parts. The Production Manager executes the production phase of projects within the timelines, specifications, and budgets set by the Project Manager and Engineering teams. Working closely with the Project Manager, Operations, and Engineering teams, this role will manage resource planning, work allocation, parts kitting, production scheduling, and shop-floor operations to ensure that all manufacturing and assembly activities are completed to specification and ready for despatch on schedule.
Being responsible for production budgets, manufacturing targets, quality standards, and operational efficiency, it is essential that this role demonstrates strong commercial awareness and drives the behaviours and actions of the production team to deliver quality outputs within cost and schedule parameters.
The Production Manager will manage production teams with clarity on engineering requirements, explaining technical approaches appropriately to different skill levels. This role encompasses organisation of parts into build kits, creation of build orders aligned with Master Production Schedules (MPS), development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance—ensuring all testing, inspection, and compliance checks (CE, BS, ISO, RAMS) are completed before despatch.
Driven by continuous improvement and efficient manufacturing practices, the implementation of robust production processes, optimisation of shop-floor resource and flow, and embedding of health & safety compliance are key to creating a performance and results-driven culture. Training, development, and performance management of production staff is a vital part of this role. This is a results-driven position with significant scope to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, cost performance, and team capability.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
PRODUCT:
* Working closely with Projects and Engineering teams to ensure the right solutions are being offered for customer need and manufacturing process.
* Managing NCR and Change Requests raised through production process to ensure changes are reported, implemented and communicated back to the teams effectively.
* Ensure all testing and inspection of product and incoming and outgoing parts is completed prior to build and despatch, or as part of the sales/advisory process, and compliance with quality and legal frameworks are met (CE, BS, ISO etc).
* Troubleshoot engineering issues in build and provide technical guidance to the production teams.
PROCESS:
* Manage production planning and making sure the business is adequately resourced and targets are achieved through effective use of scheduling systems, MPS (Master Production Schedule) and MCP (Master Capacity Plan).
* Manage inventory and parts management, ensuring parts come out in kits in required build order in line with MPS and scheduling requirements.
* Managing budgets and costs effectively in respect of the planning process (overtime, consumables, plant & machinery)
* Creation and resolution of shortage lists and associated processes; manipulate shortage lists as required.
* View capacity and scheduling to optimise production flow and output.
* Attend weekly Project Review Meetings and lead Production Meetings to capture output for manufacturing requests and feedback subsequent Production planning.
* Acting as a liaison to the management team and Board to keep them up to date with shop floor matters.
* Notification to project manager of despatch and internal checks of completion and compliance.
* Ensuring key performance indicators are in place and production targets are met and reported upon.
* Implementation of any new policies and procedures relating to the production process. Build and uphold a foundation of quality processes and behaviours throughout the shopfloor and operations team.
* Introducing and managing in-house Operations Systems utilising technology to aide efficiency wherever possible, including use of scheduling tools and MPS output systems.
* Ensure all working practices are Health & Safety compliant, implementing new procedures and guidelines where appropriate.
PEOPLE:
* Labour and team management, including responsibility for labour bookings on contract and scheduler utilisation.
* Carrying out regular team meetings to clear obstacles, establish an environment where the teams can be effective, react and implement change where required, and instil accountability for actions needed to deliver to project plans and budget.
* Ensure reporting teams are fit for purpose in number and skill set, training requirements are established and met, and attitudes and behaviours are in line with Schmalz Compass
* Personal and professional development drives the growth of the individuals and the business
* Building and maintaining relationships with all key internal and external stakeholders, liaising with other departments and stakeholders regarding production matters.
* Regular reporting on key performance indicators to the Management Team and the Board to help develop strategies for improvement and manage performance to company targets.
KEY SKILLS & BEHAVIOURS
* Mechanical Engineering Knowledge: Level 3 minimum (ONC/HNC advantageous) in mechanical engineering with excellent understanding of fabrication and machining processes and a good understanding of electrical and pneumatic systems and control system architecture. Understanding the full production process.
* Technical Knowledge: Good knowledge of electrical systems and pneumatic systems; ability to troubleshoot engineering issues in build.
* Production Management: Ability to plan and schedule resource, parts, materials and internal suppliers using electronic scheduling systems. Experience managing production of fast turnaround and complex projects.
* Systems & Software: Proficiency with Sage 200, MPS systems, and other shopfloor management tools.
* Leadership & People Management: Strength of character to take responsibility and lead the teams with passion and energy, maintaining high expectations for performance delivery. Ability to understand and communicate with different skill levels and explain engineering approaches appropriately.
* Quality & Continuous Improvement: A passion for quality standards and continuous improvement and learning. Experience of Lean, 5S, and qualified to NEBOSH level is desired.
* Commercial Awareness: Natural innovator with strong commercial awareness and commitment to the purpose of Schmalz Ltd and producing and developing quality specialist automation and handling solutions.
* Development & Mentoring: Mentor to team to ensure development and accountability are maintained. Ability to work at a management level applying skills, knowledge and experience to the future development of Schmalz Ltd and its people.
* Problem Solving & Decision Making: Ability to problem solve and make decisions for the good of the company. Commitment to doing what it takes to build a Best of Class team.
* Communication: Communicate openly and in a professional and timely manner to keep all parties informed appropriately at all levels.
* Health & Safety: Commitment to health, safety regulations and other standards; understanding of RAMS requirements.
#J-18808-Ljbffr