Production and Manufacturing Manager

Role Description

Lead and manage day-to-day manufacturing activities across machining, foundry, and manufacture of high-performance propulsion systems including propellers, stern gear, and associated marine products for commercial, defence, and luxury yacht sectors worldwide.

The Production and Manufacturing Manager at CJR Propulsion plays a critical leadership role within the business, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management and performance of manufacturing operations across multiple departments.

Ensure operational performance, manufacturing efficiency, production targets, and delivery schedules are consistently achieved.

Work closely with production planning, engineering, procurement, and sales teams to coordinate manufacturing priorities and workflow requirements. Assist with production scheduling, labour planning, and resource allocation to ensure efficient utilisation of personnel and equipment.

Maintain oversight of non-ferrous foundry operations, CNC machining activities, and engineering manufacturing processes. Support technical problem solving and ensure manufacturing standards are maintained throughout all stages of production.

Maintain high manufacturing and inspection standards throughout the business. Ensure compliance with internal quality procedures and ISO 9001 quality management systems. Liaise with customer inspectors and classification societies where required.

Promote and maintain a strong health & safety culture throughout all departments. Ensure compliance with company procedures, legislation, risk assessments, and safe systems of work. Support investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives relating to safety performance.

Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, workflow, production output, and operational performance. Support the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and process optimisation activities throughout the business.

Monitor and manage manufacturing resources including labour, equipment, tooling, materials, and consumables. Work closely with procurement and stores teams to ensure adequate stock levels and timely availability of production materials.

Respond to production-related issues and operational challenges in a timely and effective manner. Work closely with shop floor personnel and management teams to identify root causes and implement corrective actions where required.

Lead, motivate, and support production personnel across multiple departments. Promote accountability, teamwork, communication, and high-performance standards throughout the manufacturing environment. Assist with staff development, mentoring, recruitment, and training activities where required.

Act as a key communication link between production departments, engineering, quality, procurement, and senior management teams. Maintain regular engagement with shop floor personnel to support operational performance and address manufacturing concerns proactively.

Support the maintenance, calibration, and operational reliability of manufacturing equipment and tooling to ensure consistent production quality and compliance with manufacturing standards.

Support customer visits, audits, inspections, and liaison with classification societies and external inspectors where required. Maintain professional standards of communication and presentation throughout all interactions.

• Proven experience in a senior manufacturing, production, or operations management role.
• Strong background within heavy engineering, marine engineering, foundry, aerospace, defence, or precision manufacturing industries.
• Good understanding of machining, castings, and engineering manufacturing processes.
• Experience managing multiple manufacturing departments and production teams.
• Strong organisational and leadership capability.
• Understanding of ISO 9001 quality systems and manufacturing compliance standards.
• Good knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and industrial best practice.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• A practical and hands‑on management approach.
• Experience working with classification societies such as Lloyd’s Register, DNV, or ABS would be advantageous.

Job type:
Permanent.

Hours:

38 hours per week.

Schedule:

7:30 – 4:00 Monday – Thursday. 7:30 – 2:00 Friday.

Salary: competitive.

Benefits:
Company Pension, 25 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays.

Location:

Bittern, Southampton.