Production Lead

The Alan Nuttall Partnership; Dudley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Dudley is seeking an experienced Production Lead to oversee daily operations across various departments. This pivotal role involves managing production workflows, leading teams, and fostering a safety-first culture. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in a similar role, a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, and relevant health & safety certifications. Join our team to enhance operational performance and quality standards.

Benefits

Annual tax-free profit share bonus (up to £3,600)

Enhanced 8% employer pension contribution

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Life Assurance Scheme 3 X salary

Enhanced leave (Illness, Maternity, Paternity, Bereavement)

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a senior production/operations role within manufacturing.
• Solid understanding of CNC and metalwork processes.
• Experience with production scheduling and workflow optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production planning meetings and set clear targets.
• Oversee workflow to ensure smooth handovers and meet delivery timelines.
• Track and improve performance metrics including OEE and throughput.

Skills

Leadership of cross-functional teams

CNC and metalwork processes

Production scheduling

Lean practices

Reading engineering drawings

Proficient in ERP/MRP platforms

Education

IOSH or NEBOSH certified in Health & Safety

Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent

Tools

IBS or equivalent ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Nuttall is a well-established manufacturing company based in Dudley, renowned for delivering high-quality, innovative products across various sectors. We pride ourselves on a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and technical excellence.

As we grow, we’re looking for an experienced and results-driven Production Lead to oversee daily manufacturing operations across multiple departments including CNC machining, metal pressing, wood assembly, and powder coating. This role is pivotal in ensuring seamless production workflows, high-quality output, and alignment with client expectations—particularly for high-profile retail customers.

Reporting to senior leadership, you will lead departmental supervisors and team leaders to optimise operational performance, drive continuous improvement, and uphold the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency.

Why join us?

• Annual tax-free profit share bonus (up to £3,600)
• Enhanced 8% employer pension contribution
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays, rising to 29 days
• Life Assurance Scheme 3 X salary
• Enhanced Illness, Maternity, Paternity, and Bereavement leave

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

• Production & Operations Management: Lead daily production planning meetings, setting clear targets and aligning teams across Welding, Press Shop, Press Brake, and Paint Shop.
• Oversee workflow across departments, ensuring smooth handovers, minimising bottlenecks, and meeting delivery timelines.
• Use the IBS (or equivalent) system for scheduling and workload planning.
• Read and interpret technical drawings and production plans to guide operations and resolve issues.
• Track and improve performance metrics including OEE and throughput; investigate issues and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate production records and support reporting for quality, downtime, and workforce performance.
• Collaborate with Planning, Design, Purchasing, and Project teams to resolve challenges and meet client expectations.
• Proactively adapt plans in response to changing customer demands or operational disruptions.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide day-to-day leadership for department supervisors and team leaders, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Conduct regular briefings and performance reviews; manage appraisals, development plans, and training initiatives.
• Support onboarding and upskilling of new team members and apprentices.
• Address performance, attendance, and disciplinary matters in line with company policy.
• Manage holiday and shift schedules to ensure adequate staffing levels.

Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Promote “right first time” quality practices and ensure consistent in-process checks.
• Work closely with Quality Control and Customer Service to address non-conformances and drive improvements.
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, layout, tooling, and waste reduction.
• Maintain and update SOPs, risk assessments, and H&S documentation.
• Foster a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with all PPE, COSHH, and HS&E policies.
• Investigate incidents and lead preventative actions in collaboration with the QEHS team.

Production Lead Person Specification / Essential Skills & Experience

• 5+ years in a senior production/operations role, ideally within manufacturing or shopfitting & proven leadership of cross-functional teams and supervisors.
• Solid understanding of CNC, metalwork, powder coating, and wood assembly processes.
• Strong experience with production scheduling, OEE, lean practices, and workflow optimisation.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and blueprints.
• Proficient in IBS or equivalent ERP/MRP platforms.
• IOSH or NEBOSH certified in Health & Safety and Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent is desirable.

Nuttall is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our Partners.

Notes: We appreciate all applications, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please note we are not working with recruitment agencies for this role.

We are unable to sponsor work visas, all applicants will need to have the right to work in the UK in place