Production Manager

New Appointments Group; Ashford; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20 days annual leave + bank holidays (

Staff discount on products

Life insurance

Private medical

Company pension

Free parking

Job summary

New Appointments Group is seeking a Production Manager on the outskirts of Ashford to lead a 12‑strong production team. You will oversee daily operations, drive efficiency, ensure on‑time dispatch, and mentor staff to higher performance.

The role is hands‑on with a clear path into production leadership, offering a competitive salary up to £45,000 per year, plus benefits. Monday to Friday with alternating Saturdays, in a manufacturing environment focused on quality and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience leading in an industrial manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Strong leadership with the ability to coach and develop.
• Experience supporting with performance, attendance and day-to-day employee matters.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• A solid understanding of Health & Safety requirements.
• Exposure to ISO 9001 or similar quality systems is advantageous.
• Experience with continuous improvement and waste reduction is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the day-to-day operation and performance of the department.
• Lead, supervise and support the team, providing direction and expectations.
• Ensure products are prepared, processed and dispatched on time, in full.
• Collaborate with Production Manager to achieve production targets.
• Communicate delays, issues or shortages affecting customer orders.
• Monitor performance and take action where targets are not met.
• Support day-to-day employee matters including performance, attendance and conduct.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork and clear communication.
• Organise and manage the workforce to meet operational needs.
• Ensure production records and documentation are completed accurately and on time.
• Monitor stock levels and liaise with Purchasing to ensure stock is available.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.
• Ensure employees follow procedures and quality standards.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training and development of team members.
• Work with management to resolve operational issues.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Health & Safety

Quality systems

Continuous improvement

Job description

Job title: Production Manager

Location: Outskirts of Ashford

Salary: up to£45,000/annum

Hours: Monday to Friday + 4 hours alternate Saturdays

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established manufacturing business in a hands‑on leadership role, ideal for an experienced Production Supervisor ready to take the next step into Production Management. You’ll take responsibility for a team of 12 within the factory, overseeing day‑to‑day production, supporting and developing your team, and helping to drive efficiency, quality and performance across the operation.

Production Manager's key responsibilities:

• Supervise the day‑to‑day operation and performance of the department.
• Lead, supervisor and support the team, providing direction and expectations.
• Ensure products are prepared, processed and dispatched on time, in full.
• Work with the Production Manager to achieve production targets.
• Communicate potential delays, issues or shortages affecting customer orders.
• Monitor performance and take action where targets/standards are not being achieved.
• Support with day‑to‑day employee matters including performance, attendance and conduct.
• Build a positive culture of accountability, teamwork and clear communication.
• Organise and manage the workforce effectively to meet operational requirements.
• Ensure production records and documentation are completed accurately and on time.
• Monitor stock levels and liaise with Purchasing to ensure stock is available.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve efficiency and minimise costs.
• Support and implement continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.
• Ensure employees follow procedures and quality standards.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, training and development of team members.
• Work closely with the management team to resolve operational issues.

Experience and skills required:

• Experience leading in an industrial manufacturing, production or engineering environment.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, coach and develop.
• Experience supporting with performance, attendance and day‑to‑day employee matters.
• The ability to take ownership of issues, make decisions and provide resolution.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• A strong understanding of Health & Safety requirements.
• Exposure to ISO 9001 or similar quality systems would be advantageous.
• Experience of continuous improvement, waste reduction or operational efficiency would be advantageous.

Benefits:

• 20 days annual leave + bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Staff discount on products
• Life insurance
• Private medical
• Company pension
• Free parking

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in line with the Equality Act 2010. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.