Production Manager

Ellison Surface Technologies, Inc.; Chard Town; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension matched 4–10%

Annual bonus eligibility

Life Assurance 2x salary

25 days holiday + holidays

Job summary

Bodycote in the UK is seeking a Production Manager to lead site operations in Chard, ensuring safety, quality, and on-time delivery. You will own people, processes and plant efficiency, driving continuous improvement and Lean initiatives across the site.

Candidate should have engineering or science background, strong leadership, and excellent communication. The role involves onsite work with some travel and offers a competitive package.

Qualifications

• Qualified in an Engineering or Science discipline.
• Background in engineering, process, or manufacturing within a regulated industry.
• Decisive and able to solve staff or equipment-related problems.
• ICT literacy to manage technologies and systems.
• Customer-focused with high quality and service standards.
• Clear, persuasive communication across all levels.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage priorities.
• Strong leadership with ability to motivate and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements.
• Root cause problem solving and data-driven decisions.
• Continuous improvement and lean tools experience (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead production operations to meet performance, safety, quality and delivery targets.
• Own people, processes and plant efficiency with accountability for results.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across the site.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimise manufacturing flows.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Develop and coach staff to enhance capabilities and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Decision making

Communication

Problem solving

Quality focus

Safety awareness

Multitasking

Staff development

Continuous improvement

Education

Engineering or Science discipline

Tools

ICT literacy

Lean tools

Job description

General & Operations Management

• Chard UK

Production Manager

Are you an experienced Production Manager ready to lead and optimise operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment? Make an impact on safety, quality, and continuous improvement at Bodycote.

About Bodycote

At Bodycote, we’re more than the world’s leading provider of heat treatment and specialist thermal processing services. We’re a people business at heart. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability shapes everything we do. With a global footprint and a culture built on collaboration, curiosity, and continuous improvement, we create an environment where you can grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact. Sustainability is central to our future. We’re on an ambitious journey to reduce our environmental impact through advanced technologies, smarter processes, and ongoing innovation, with our teams around the world playing a key role in making that happen.

The Role

As Production Manager, responsible for leading production operations at our Chard facility to ensure performance, safety, quality, and delivery targets are achieved. Taking ownership of people, processes, and plant efficiency, the role plays a key part in driving operational excellence and continuous improvement across the site.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified in an Engineering or Science discipline
• Background in engineering, process, or manufacturing within a regulated industry
• Ability to act decisively and solve staff or equipment-related problems
• ICT literacy to manage technologies and systems
• Customer-focused approach ensuring high levels of quality and service
• Clear and persuasive communication skills across all levels
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
• Strong leadership and motivational ability to meet deadlines
• Understanding of health and safety requirements
• Good problem-solving skills (root cause) with a results-driven approach
• Continuous improvement and lean tools experience (desirable)

What’s In It For You

• Career progression opportunities in a global business
• A supportive culture where growth and development matter
• Join us at an exciting point of change, where expertise helps define the next chapter of our business
• Competitive salary and annual bonus eligibility
• Pension – matched contribution from 4% to 10%
• Employee assistance programme including wellbeing app
• Life Assurance – 2 x annual salary
• 25 days holiday plus national holidays
• Full pay whilst off sick for a limited number of days (in addition to statutory entitlement)
• Free parking and refreshments on all sites

Location & Work Pattern

This role is based in Chard with onsite expectations. Some travel may be required.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of characteristics protected by local law, including (where applicable) gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and ethnic origin. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Department General & Operations Management Role Production Manager Locations Chard UK Yearly salary £47,000 Employment type Full-time

About Bodycote

Our services are a vital part of many manufacturing processes. We make metal stronger, more durable, and more corrosion resistant. Servicing local and international clients from highly accredited facilities our experience and expertise ensures we deliver to the quality and reliability demanded by the markets we serve and the products we deliver.

Founded in 1923

Co-workers 4,750

Turnover $750M