Production Manager

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 Solid Works/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

* Plan, schedule, and oversee daily production activities to meet delivery targets.

* Manage workflow across CNC machining, manual machining, welding/fabrication, and inspection.

* Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives to optimise throughput and reduce waste.

Team Management & Development

* Lead, mentor, and appraise production staff, including CNC operators, fabricators, and welders.

* Identify skills gaps and coordinate relevant training and development activities.

* Promote strong team engagement, accountability, and performance culture.

Quality & Compliance

* Ensure all products meet internal quality standards and customer specifications.

* Support Quality Assurance functions with root-cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions.

* Champion health & safety compliance in line with legal and company requirements.

Process Improvement & Reporting

* Continually review production processes to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies.

* Drive implementation of best practices in machining and fabrication workflows.

* Prepare regular production performance reports for senior leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

* Work closely with Engineering/Design to optimise production feasibility.

* Liaise with Purchasing and Supply Chain for material availability and supplier performance.

* Support estimation and quoting processes with realistic production capacity input.

Essential Skills & Experience

* Proven experience in a manufacturing leadership role within CNC machining and fabrication environments.

* Strong understanding of CNC milling, turning, welding, and fabrication processes.

* Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills in high-mix, low-volume bespoke production settings.

* Solid track record in implementing continuous improvement and lean methodologies.

* Strong communicator with effective team leadership ability.

Desirable Qualifications & Attributes

* Engineering or manufacturing qualification (e.g., HNC/HND/BEng).

* Experience with ERP or production planning systems.

* Familiarity with CAD/CAM systems.

What We Offer

* Competitive salary and benefits package.

* Opportunity to lead and shape production strategy in a fast-growing engineering SME.

* Collaborative, supportive environment with international reach.

* Career progression and professional development opportunities