Production Manager

Nicholas Associates Group; Dereham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates Group in Dereham is seeking a Production Manager to lead the day-to-day manufacturing operation, drive production performance and develop teams across the site. You will report to the COO and focus on people leadership, planning and continuous improvement to meet customer and business objectives.

The role requires proven experience in manufacturing management, Lean practices and KPI-driven delivery, with a proactive, hands-on leadership style and a full UK driving licence.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing production operations and teams.
• Strong planning, scheduling and KPI-driven performance.
• Experience leading Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop production teams to meet safety, quality and delivery targets.
• Manage daily production activities and optimise resource utilisation to meet needs.
• Monitor operational performance via KPIs and take corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement to boost productivity, efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with Planning, Quality and Sales to meet customer requirements and schedules.
• Control labour resources and departmental costs in line with budgets.
• Support recruitment, training and development of production staff.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Quality and Environmental standards.

Skills

Production management

Team leadership

Production planning

Lean manufacturing

Education

Relevant engineering/manufacturing/operations qualification

IOSH Managing Safely or similar health & safety qualification

Job description

Position: Production Manager
Location: Dereham (Norfolk)
Salary: £45-50K DOE
Nicholas Associates has an excellent opportunity for a Production Manager, to join an established & growing client in the Dereham area. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will be responsible for leading the day-to-day manufacturing operation, driving production performance, developing teams and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the site.The role focuses on people leadership, production performance, planning and continuous improvement to achieve customer and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop production teams to achieve safety, quality and delivery targets.
• Manage daily production activities and ensure resources are utilised efficiently to meet business requirements.
• Monitor operational performance through KPIs and implement corrective actions to drive results.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, efficiency and product quality.
• Collaborate with Planning, Quality and Sales teams to meet customer requirements and delivery schedules.
• Manage labour resources and departmental costs in line with agreed budgets and business objectives.
• Support the recruitment, training and development of production employees to build capability and engagement.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Quality and Environmental standards while promoting a culture of accountability and operational excellence

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a production or manufacturing management role.
• Demonstrable experience leading, developing and motivating production teams.
• Strong understanding of production planning, resource management and KPI-driven performance.
• Experience driving operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement and quality-focused initiatives within a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Relevant engineering, manufacturing or operations qualification, or equivalent practical experience.
• IOSH Managing Safely or similar Health & Safety qualification desirable.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and results driven.
• Strong leadership and decision-making capability.
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Well organised with strong planning and prioritisation skills.
• Positive, hands-on approach with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Full, UK driving licence

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.

For more information on this vacancy please contact uson 07856 919293.