Production Manager

Production Manager, Greater Manchester

About the job

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Production Manager with a strong background in sheet metal fabrication to join our growing team.

This is a hands-on role in a very fast-paced manufacturing environment, responsible for managing day-to-day production, ensuring quality standards, and delivering work on time and within budget.

You’ll lead a team of around 30 skilled shopfloor staff, plan workloads effectively, and drive continuous improvement across operations. The role requires strong leadership, planning, and communication skills, along with the ability to solve technical and organisational challenges quickly.

Key Responsibilities

Manage all production activities within the sheet metal fabrication department.

Plan and schedule work orders to ensure on-time delivery.

Full material stock responsibility

Identify and resolve production bottlenecks, re-prioritising work as needed.

Oversee preventive maintenance and ensure machinery uptime.

Coordinate subcontractors for surface finishing and outsourced processes.

Implement continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Kaizen, 5S).

Analyse production data using ERP systems to improve efficiency and output.

Ensure compliance with health & safety and quality standards.

Motivate, coach, and lead shopfloor teams to achieve business goals.

Collaborate with management on capacity planning, investment decisions, and automation opportunities.

Balance customer demand with production capability and staffing levels.

Participate in tour planning and resource optimisation.

Required Skills & Experience

Minimum 5 years’ supervisory or management experience in a sheet metal fabrication environment.

Strong working knowledge of fabrication machinery (press brakes, lasers, punches, welders, etc.).

Proven experience in planning work orders and achieving on-time delivery.

Good mechanical knowledge to resolve small equipment issues.

Experience managing subcontractors and external finishing suppliers.

Evidence of implementing process improvements and driving continuous improvement.

Preferably broad knowledge of ISO 9001 standards and associated quality systems and methods.

Strong leadership and communication skills, capable of managing teams of 20–40 people.

Proficient in ERP systems and confident using IT for planning, reporting, and analysis.

Data-driven approach to problem solving and performance improvement.

Ability to balance customer priorities with production targets.

Positive, proactive attitude with a genuine interest in business growth and innovation.

Desirable (Not Essential)

Experience working in a multi-site manufacturing environment.

Exposure to automation technologies and modern manufacturing systems.

Valid forklift truck licence.

What We Offer

Competitive salary and performance-related incentives.

Opportunity to shape production strategy and influence key business decisions.

Supportive, forward-thinking management team.

Modern facilities and the chance to implement real improvements.

Keywords (for visibility):

Production Manager | Fabrication | Sheet Metal | Manufacturing | Engineering | Continuous Improvement | ISO
9001 | ERP | Team Leadership | Maintenance | Planning | Process Improvement | Lean Manufacturing