Production Manager
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Southampton
Permanent
£55,000 £60,000 + Benefits
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Production Manager (clean room environment) to join a leading high-technology manufacturing business.
This is a key leadership role within the operations team, responsible for driving performance across production, safety, quality, continuous improvement, and delivery. The successful candidate will lead a production unit within a fast-paced manufacturing environment, ensuring operational excellence while supporting business growth and customer satisfaction on a global scale.
The Role
As Production Manager, you will take overall responsibility for the performance and day-to-day management of your production area. You will lead and develop teams, drive Lean manufacturing initiatives, and work cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, HR, and Operations to achieve strategic business objectives.
You will play a critical role in improving efficiency, reducing costs, supporting new product introduction activities, and ensuring production capability aligns with customer demand.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and promote a strong health, safety, and environmental culture across the production area
Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives within a Lean manufacturing environment
Monitor and manage production KPIs, implementing corrective actions where required
Deliver productivity and cost reduction projects, including scrap reduction and manufacturing efficiency improvements
Communicate production targets and business objectives clearly across teams
Support strategic operational planning and production development activities
Collaborate closely with Engineering teams on new product introduction and manufacturing readiness activities
Build strong working relationships across Operations, Supply Chain, Logistics, HR, and Engineering functions
Ensure appropriate staffing levels, capability planning, and skills development within the production team
Maintain inventory accuracy and effective stock management within the production area
Lead, coach, and develop team members to achieve high performance and engagement
About You
We are looking for a proactive and driven manufacturing leader with strong people management skills and experience operating within a modern Lean manufacturing environment. xxuwjjq
You will be analytical, organised, and capable of balancing strategic planning with hands-on operational leadership in a fast-moving production setting.
Required Experience
Previous experience in a Production Manager or similar leadership role within manufacturing
Strong Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement experience
Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional business teams including Engineering, Procurement, HR, and Finance
Experience using ERP systems within a manufacturing environment
Strong planning and production capacity management experience
Good IT skills including spreadsheets, reporting, and communication tools
Experience within high-precision, electronics, optical, or advanced manufacturing environments would be advantageous
Qualifications
Ideally degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related discipline
Lean Manufacturing qualification or equivalent practical experience would be beneficial
What Were Looking For
Strong leadership and coaching capability
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Data-driven and solution-focused approach to problem solving
Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
Self-motivated and adaptable within a dynamic environment
Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to operational delivery
Strong attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement