Job Title: Production Manager
Location: Poynton, Stockport, UK
Reports To: Operations Director / Managing Director
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Company Overview
Our client are a family-run engineering business with over 30 years’ heritage in the design and manufacture of high-precision machinery for the bakery, confectionery, and food processing industries. From its origins as a small fabrication workshop, the company has grown into a global exporter of bespoke processing lines and pressurised depositing systems, with approximately 70 % of turnover generated internationally. The business combines modern SolidWorks/AutoCAD design with in-house multi-axis CNC machining and fabrication capabilities to produce innovative and high-quality equipment.
Role Summary
As Production Manager, you will lead and coordinate all aspects of shop floor production to ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective manufacture of complex machined parts and fabricated assemblies. You’ll play a key role in driving productivity, quality, and on-time delivery for products central to bespoke machine builds.
Key Responsibilities
Production Leadership & Operations
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Plan, schedule, and oversee daily production activities to meet delivery targets.
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Manage workflow across CNC machining, manual machining, welding/fabrication, and inspection.
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Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives to optimise throughput and reduce waste.
Team Management & Development
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Lead, mentor, and appraise production staff, including CNC operators, fabricators, and welders.
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Identify skills gaps and coordinate relevant training and development activities.
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Promote strong team engagement, accountability, and performance culture.
Quality & Compliance
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Ensure all products meet internal quality standards and customer specifications.
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Support Quality Assurance functions with root-cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions.
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Champion health & safety compliance in line with legal and company requirements.
Process Improvement & Reporting
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Continually review production processes to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies.
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Drive implementation of best practices in machining and fabrication workflows.
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Prepare regular production performance reports for senior leadership.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Work closely with Engineering/Design to optimise production feasibility.
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Liaise with Purchasing and Supply Chain for material availability and supplier performance.
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Support estimation and quoting processes with realistic production capacity input.
Essential Skills & Experience
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Proven experience in a manufacturing leadership role within CNC machining and fabrication environments.
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Strong understanding of CNC milling, turning, welding, and fabrication processes.
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Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills in high-mix, low-volume bespoke production settings.
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Solid track record in implementing continuous improvement and lean methodologies.
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Strong communicator with effective team leadership ability.
Desirable Qualifications & Attributes
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Engineering or manufacturing qualification (e.g., HNC/HND/BEng).
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Experience with ERP or production planning systems.
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Familiarity with CAD/CAM systems.
What We Offer
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Competitive salary and benefits package.
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Opportunity to lead and shape production strategy in a fast-growing engineering SME.
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Collaborative, supportive environment with international reach.
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Career progression and professional development opportunities