Production Manager

Cooper Golding; Barnstaple; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established manufacturing business in Barnstaple is seeking an experienced Production Manager for a senior leadership role. You will oversee production planning, workflow, staffing, and health & safety to ensure operational excellence. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in production management, strong leadership abilities, and a solid understanding of lean manufacturing practices. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits, along with opportunities for career progression and influence in shaping the company culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary package + bonus

Pension

Free Parking

Death in Service

Long-term career progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Production Manager or senior manufacturing leadership role.
• Strong people management and leadership capability.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and KPI‑driven environments.
• Solid understanding of production planning, workflow management, and cost control.
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational performance, people development, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure production plans and schedules meet customer demand.
• Promote, recruit, train, and develop supervisors and production staff.
• Champion lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain a safe working environment compliant with health & safety standards.

Skills

Production management

Lean manufacturing

People management

KPI tracking

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Experience in a senior manufacturing role

Job description

Cooper Golding is recruiting on behalf of our client a well-established manufacturing business seeking an experienced Production Manager.

Job Title: Production Manager
Job Type: Permanent | Full-time
Location: Barnstaple
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum

About the role: This is a senior, hands‑on leadership role with full responsibility for production planning, workflow, staffing, KPIs, cost control, and health & safety, working closely with the Manufacturing Director and wider management team. You will lead operational performance, people development, and continuous improvement across the production function.

Key Responsibilities of the Production Manager:

Production Planning & Delivery:

• Ensure production plans and schedules are achieved in line with customer demand and lead times
• Oversee end‑to‑end production workflow, output targets, and departmental performance
• Develop and maintain long‑term production plans to meet deadlines and growth objectives
• Monitor progress, identify delays or risks, and report issues to senior management

People Leadership & Development:

• Promote, recruit, train, and develop supervisors and production staff
• Build strong staff relationships, trust, and a positive performance‑driven culture
• Set performance goals and carry out productivity reviews and appraisals
• Drive leadership development, time management, and task prioritisation
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels across departments

Process Control & Continuous Improvement:

• Ensure all SOPs are current, accurate, and implemented across all departments
• Maintain accurate production timings with regular audits and checks
• Lead root cause analysis and approve long‑term corrective actions
• Champion lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Work cross‑functionally to improve processes, tooling, and fixtures
• Implement improvements to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and lower costs

Quality, Health & Safety:

• Maintain a safe working environment with full compliance to health & safety standards
• Ensure quality and efficiency targets are consistently met
• Lead investigations and preventative actions relating to quality or safety issues

Stock, Materials & Cost Control:

• Ensure stock checks are accurate, up to date, and completed regularly
• Communicate with purchasing and accounts to guarantee material availability
• Manage production budgets and control departmental expenditureAnalyse production costs and identify cost‑saving opportunities
• Approve equipment upgrades and process investments where required

Reporting & Strategy:

• Monitor KPIs and analyse performance trends
• Prepare management‑level reports on productivity, efficiency, and output
• Participate in strategic production planning meetings with the Manufacturing Director

About the Production Manager Candidate:

Essential:

• Proven experience in a Production Manager or senior manufacturing leadership role
• Strong people management and leadership capability
• Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and KPI‑driven environments
• Solid understanding of production planning, workflow management, and cost control
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Strong problem‑solving and root cause analysis capability

Desirable:

• Experience in a high‑volume or precision manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of 5S, lean tools, and waste reduction methodologies
• Budget management and capital investment experience

Benefits of the Production Manager Role:

• Competitive salary package + bonus
• Senior leadership role with genuine influence and autonomy
• Opportunity to shape culture, performance, and continuous improvement
• Long‑term career progression within a stable manufacturing business
• Death in Service
• Pension
• Free Parking