Production Manager

Rochester, Kent | Competitive + Benefits

Manufacturing Leadership | Lean Manufacturing | Continuous Improvement

Are you an experienced Production Manager looking for the opportunity in Rochester, Kent? Where you can lead manufacturing operations, develop high-performing teams, and drive meaningful operational improvements?

We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established manufacturing business seeking a hands‑on Production Manager to take ownership of production performance, continuous improvement initiatives, and workforce development. Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will play a key role in improving efficiency, reducing waste, enhancing quality, and ensuring customer delivery expectations are consistently achieved.

This position offers the chance to make a genuine impact within a growing manufacturing environment where your ideas, leadership, and operational expertise will be valued.

As Production Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the production function, ensuring productivity, quality, safety, and delivery targets are achieved while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

You will lead production teams and cell leaders, implementing practical lean manufacturing principles and driving operational excellence throughout the business.

• Lead, motivate and develop production teams to achieve operational objectives.
• Implement lean manufacturing initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Identify and deliver continuous improvement projects across production processes.
• Monitor and report on key production, quality and delivery performance metrics.
• Drive improvements in productivity, workflow and resource utilisation.
• Support workforce development through coaching, training and multi-skilling initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, policies and procedures.
• Promote a safe working environment and champion best practice throughout production.
• Collaborate with planning, logistics and other departments to optimise production schedules and resource allocation.
• Develop a culture of accountability, teamwork and operational excellence.

We are interested in speaking with candidates who can demonstrate:

• Experience in a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager or similar leadership position.
• A proven track record of improving manufacturing performance and operational efficiency.
• Experience implementing lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and influence teams.
• Experience managing KPIs and driving performance against operational targets.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  
  Strong communication and organisational skills.
• A proactive, hands‑on management style with a focus on continuous improvement.

Candidates from engineering, industrial, technical, fabrication, assembly, mechanical, electronics or general manufacturing backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
• High levels of integrity and professionalism.
• Commitment to quality and operational excellence.
• A positive, solution-focused mindset.
• The ability to build strong relationships across department and manage change.
• A genuine passion for improving manufacturing performance.

• Competitive salary package.
• Early Friday finish and 35 hours per week
• Opportunity to influence business performance and operational strategy.
• Stable and growing manufacturing environment.
• Direct exposure to senior leadership.
• Long-term career development opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative working culture.