Production manager

This is a great opportunity for an established Manufacturing Production Manager, or an aspiring Team Lead or Supervisor from a precision engineering background, to lead all machine shop production activities at the European manufacturing facility for Cook Compression, based in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

This is an 8,000 m² state-of-the-art facility featuring a suite of CNC machining centres with up to 9-axis capabilities and full automation. Here, we perform the full end-to-end manufacturing process for a wide range of engineered and made-to-order reciprocating compressor components, such as valves, pistons, rings, rods, and packing cases.

The Production Manager is responsible for ensuring manufacturing targets are achieved in order to meet or exceed site objectives, whilst assuring the cost-effective, timely manufacture and assembly of quality products. The role will include capacity planning, labour allocation, workforce cross-training and development, and managing a wide range of strategic and continuous improvement projects, all whilst building a culture of trust-based communication.

The role demands a focus on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development. The Production Manager will take the lead in driving efficiency improvements through the achievement of KPIs, Operational Excellence, and team growth, whilst significantly contributing to the overall business goals.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or other STEM related field
• IOSH Managing Safely
• Minimum 5 years of experience in production leadership, preferably in CNC manufacturing
• Strong understanding of capacity planning and lean manufacturing principles
• Experience of leading change through others using Continuous Improvement techniques and methodologies, backed up with tangible examples
• Excellent leadership and people management skills with a focus on team development
• Familiarity with safety regulations, IOSH Managing safely qualified, and experience with raising 5S/housekeeping standards
• Ability to analyse data, using statistical process control, and drive data-based decision-making
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel, Outlook, Teams and Projects), and other relevant digital tools – using Excel to create filterable SPC charts, trendlines, pivot tables, formulas, etc.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Safety & Compliance - Responsible for the safety and wellbeing of all shop floor operators by proactively working with the Senior HSE Advisor to produce and implement health and safety plans.
• Capacity Planning & Resource Management - Lead the shop floor operators in accordance with organisational policies and applicable laws, including, but not limited to, policies involving human resources, safety, personal conduct, and practices involving quality and the control of purchased and manufactured parts.
• Production & Operational Excellence - Achieve >95% On-Time Delivery (OTD) by closely monitoring production flow, labour resources, and skillset requirements, and by eliminating bottlenecks.
• Continuous Improvement - Drive machine uptime, utilisation, and efficiency improvements by analysing production data and implementing strategic changes.
• Projects, Collaboration & Communication - Lead MOC/CAPEX projects from idea to implementation, using data-based thinking such as Value Stream Mapping to improve and increase the throughput and capability of the shop; this includes the selection of new machines to ensure the business is up to date with the latest and emerging technologies, such as machine automation.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) - 95% On-Time Delivery (OTD)