Production Manager

Production Manager - Engineering & Metal Fabrication (Lean Manufacturing)

Location: Sittingbourne, Kent Salary: Up to £70,000 + Excellent Benefits Hours: Full-time, Permanent

Lead production in a specialist engineering and metal fabrication environment

A long-established manufacturer of bespoke metal products is seeking a hands-on Production Manager with a solid engineering background and a passion for Lean manufacturing. This role suits someone who understands fabrication, welding, machining or engineered metal sheet metal, and can confidently lead skilled shop-floor teams while improving processes, workflow and efficiency.

You'll take ownership of daily production, quality, materials and planning - and play a key role in shaping how the operation runs as the business continues to grow.

What you'll be doing

• Lead daily production across welding, fabrication and assembly
• Manage and motivate shop-floor teams, building strong relationships with welders and fabricators
• Champion Lean manufacturing - drive continuous improvement, reduce waste, improve workflow and embed best practice
• Apply engineering knowledge to solve problems, support technical decisions and improve processes
• Improve workflow efficiency through planning, scheduling and production optimisation
• Oversee materials, stock and suppliers to keep production moving smoothly
• Maintain quality standards across bespoke metal products
• Work closely with senior leadership on operational improvements and future planning

What we're looking for

• Engineering background (mechanical, manufacturing, production or similar) - essential
• Experience in metal fabrication, welding, machining or engineered sheet metal - desirable
• Practical understanding of Lean manufacturing, CI tools or workflow optimisation - desirable
• Confident communicator who works well with shop-floor teams - essential
• Strong organiser with a hands-on, problem-solving mindset - essential
• Someone who enjoys taking ownership and improving processes - desirable
• Full UK driving licence - essential

Why this role stands out

• Lead a respected team of skilled welders and fabricators
• Make a real impact by championing Lean manufacturing and modernising workflow
• Join a stable, growing engineering business producing bespoke metal products
• Supportive leadership team who value practical, shop-floor-aware managers
• Excellent benefits including overtime up to treble time, enhanced sick pay, pension and life assurance

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
• Christmas shutdown
• Overtime paid up to treble time
• Enhanced sick pay
• Company pension
• Life assurance & death in service (4x salary)

Westin Par values diversity and promotes equality. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK. For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, Westin Par acts as an Employment Agency. Due to high application volumes, only candidates with the most relevant experience will be contacted.