Production Lead - #JBD08380

DCA Recruitment; Dudley; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable manufacturing company in Dudley is seeking an experienced Production Lead to oversee daily operations across various departments. The role requires strong leadership, knowledge of manufacturing processes, and a commitment to safety and quality. Key responsibilities include leading production planning, supervising multiple areas, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience and relevant certifications.

Benefits

Salary up to £35,000 DOE

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, and Paternity leave

Wellbeing support including Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in a senior production or operations role within manufacturing.
• Proven leadership experience managing supervisors and teams.
• Strong knowledge of operations including CNC, metalwork, powder coating.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily cross-functional production planning meetings.
• Oversee the full production lifecycle.
• Supervise Welding, Press Shop, Press Brake, and Paint Shop areas.

Skills

5+ years in production or operations role

Proven leadership experience

Knowledge of manufacturing operations (CNC, metalwork)

Ability to read engineering drawings

Expertise in production scheduling

Safety management experience

Education

IOSH or NEBOSH certification

Lean Six Sigma certification

Tools

IBS system or equivalent ERP/MRP

Job description

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Production Lead
Dudley

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?

• Salary: Up to £35,000 DOE
• 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
• Wellbeing support including Employee Assistance Programme & Mental Health Champions
• Partner Voice Groups to influence business decisions

Production Lead - Key Responsibilities and Tasks:

Production & Operations Management

• Lead daily cross-functional production planning meetings to set clear targets, allocate resources effectively, and ensure alignment across all departments.
• Oversee the full production lifecycle to ensure smooth handovers between departments and minimise bottlenecks.
• Supervise and coordinate activities across Welding, Press Shop, Press Brake, and Paint Shop areas.
• Utilise the company's IBS system for workload planning and scheduling, ensuring adherence to production timelines and delivery commitments.
• Assign tasks, monitor progress, and provide day-to-day direction to operators, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and quality of output.
• Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and production plans to guide manufacturing activities and troubleshoot discrepancies.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators such as OEE and throughput; conduct root cause analyses and implement corrective actions where needed.
• Maintain accurate records of production output, quality metrics, downtime, and workforce performance to support operational reporting and improvement efforts.
• Identify equipment issues and coordinate with maintenance teams to minimise downtime and ensure continuity of operations.
• Ensure strict adherence to approved methods, technical specifications, and quality standards across all areas.
• Maintain and update SOPs, risk assessments, and hazard documentation, ensuring compliance and staff awareness.
• Collaborate closely with Planning, Design, Purchasing, and Project teams to resolve production challenges and maintain alignment with client and business requirements.
• Respond proactively to changes in demand, customer priorities, or operational disruptions.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide strong leadership to department supervisors and team leaders, ensuring performance aligns with business objectives.
• Conduct daily team briefings to communicate goals, operational updates, and company initiatives.
• Monitor team and individual performance against KPIs, implementing performance management actions where required.
• Manage appraisals, development plans, and training programs for direct reports; support onboarding and upskilling of new team members and apprentices.
• Identify skill gaps and coordinate training initiatives in collaboration with HR and external providers.
• Address performance, disciplinary, and attendance issues in accordance with company policies.
• Approve and manage holiday schedules to ensure adequate staffing and uninterrupted production.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Foster a proactive, safety-first culture across all departments.
• Ensure full compliance with PPE, COSHH, risk assessments, and company HS&E policies.
• Lead investigations into incidents, near misses, and safety concerns, and follow through with preventative measures.
• Promote clean, organised workspaces aligned with 5S or similar lean methodologies.
• Work with the QEHS team to uphold environmental compliance and effective waste management practices.

Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement

• Champion right first time quality practices; ensure consistent execution of first-off and in-process checks.
• Collaborate with Quality Control and Customer Service teams to address non-conformances and customer complaints, driving corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives targeting efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Recommend improvements to production systems, workflows, tooling, and layouts to enhance productivity and reduce waste.

Production Lead Person Specification / Essential Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years experience in a senior production or operations role within manufacturing or shopfitting, ideally with exposure to high-volume retail clients.
• Proven leadership experience managing supervisors and cross-functional production teams.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations including CNC, metalwork, powder coating, and wood assembly.
• Hands-on experience managing OEE and other productivity metrics.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints.
• Expertise in production scheduling, workflow optimisation, and lean manufacturing practices.
• Strong safety management experience including risk assessments and incident response.
• Proficient in manufacturing systems (IBS or equivalent ERP/MRP platforms).
• IOSH or NEBOSH certified in Health & Safety.
• 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.