Production Manager

Medical Device Precision Engineering (Orthopaedic Instruments & Implants)

We are seeking a hands-on Production Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing operations in a growing, regulated medical device environment. The role is accountable for safe, compliant, and efficient production while embedding operational discipline, developing team capability, and driving continuous improvement.

Operating in a period of transition and growth, this role suits a leader comfortable with ambiguity and building standards where they do not yet exist. The Production Manager will work closely with the OpEx Manager to embed governance, Tier accountability, problem-solving, and visual management, and will play a key role in stabilising operations as the current Production Director transitions into an NPI-focused role.

Electric discharge machining department at Kirkstall Precision

• Build a safety-first, quality-focused culture with clear accountability and strong teamwork.
• Lead, coach, and develop Team Leaders and production teams in daily management, problem-solving, and people leadership.
• Set daily and weekly priorities, allocate resources, and support workforce training and development.
• Contribute to S&OP and longer-term capacity, staffing, and investment planning.

• Own daily manufacturing performance, ensuring targets for quality, cost, delivery, and safety are met.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 13485, GMP, and internal QMS requirements.
• Monitor and improve key production KPIs (output, yield, scrap, setup time, labour utilisation).
• Ensure equipment, tooling, and fixtures are maintained, calibrated, and fit for purpose.

• Co-lead operational governance with OpEx, including Tier meetings, escalation, and action tracking.
• Embed Standard Work and ensure consistent application through Team Leaders.
• Lead continuous improvement using Lean, 5S, Kaizen, SMED, and structured problem-solving.
• Support NCR, CAPA, and deviation investigations with robust, data-driven corrective actions.

• Partner with Planning, Supply Chain, Engineering, NPI, and Quality to ensure effective scheduling, material, and tool availability.
• Input into the S&OP process
• Identify and mitigate risks to output (capacity, materials, equipment, staffing).
• Provide clear, timely reporting on performance, risks, and trends.

• Ensure production activities are fully documented and audit-ready at all times.
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits.
• Approve manufacturing documentation, including batch records, work instructions, and change controls.

• 5+ years’ experience in manufacturing or operations leadership, ideally in medical devices, precision engineering, aerospace, food, FMCG or another regulated sector.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 13485, GMP, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record in team leadership, operational improvement, and performance management.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, Root Cause Analysis, and CI methodologies.
• Strong planning, organisational, and communication skills.
• Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations degree (or equivalent experience) preferred..

• A high-impact leadership role in a growing medical device business.
• A collaborative, improvement-driven culture.
• The opportunity to contribute directly to the manufacture of life-changing medical devices..

7am – 3:30pm (2:30pm on Fridays). Occasional evening shift, and weekend overtime cover may be necessary.

12-month Fixed Term