Production Manager

H2O Recruitment & Training Services Ltd; Dereham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

H2O Recruitment & Training Services Ltd is seeking an experienced Production Manager to join an established engineering and manufacturing business in Dereham, Norfolk. You will take hands-on responsibility for day-to-day production operations, drive performance and continuous improvement, and develop a motivated manufacturing team to meet demanding targets.

You will lead from the front, ensuring safety, quality and on-time delivery while collaborating with Planning, Quality and Sales to optimise

Qualifications

• Experience leading production teams in manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of production planning and resource allocation.
• Track record of improving KPIs such as productivity and on-time delivery.
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement knowledge.
• Ability to lead safety, quality and cost controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop production teams to meet safety, quality, productivity and delivery targets.
• Oversee daily manufacturing operations and schedules.
• Manage labour, resources and capacity for efficiency.
• Monitor KPIs and drive corrective actions.
• Drive Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Planning, Quality and Sales to meet customer needs.
• Support recruitment, training and development.
• Ensure Health & Safety, quality and environmental compliance.
• Foster accountability and teamwork for operational excellence.

Skills

Production leadership

Lean Manufacturing

KPI management

Team development

Problem solving

Education

Engineering/Manufacturing qualification

IOSH Managing Safely (advantageous)

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Production Manager to join an established engineering and manufacturing business based in Dereham, Norfolk.

We are looking for a proactive, hands-on leader who can take responsibility for day-to-day production operations, drive performance and continuous improvement, and develop a motivated, high-performing manufacturing team.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys being involved in the operation, leading from the front and making a measurable difference to productivity, quality and delivery performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop production teams to achieve safety, quality, productivity and delivery targets.
• Oversee daily manufacturing operations, ensuring production schedules and customer requirements are achieved.
• Manage labour, resources and production capacity to maximise operational efficiency.
• Monitor production KPIs, identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing principles and process improvements.
• Work closely with Planning, Quality and Sales teams to ensure production and customer delivery requirements are met.
• Manage departmental costs and labour resources in line with agreed budgets.
• Support recruitment, training, coaching and development of production employees.
• Maintain high standards of Health & Safety, quality and environmental compliance.
• Promote a positive working culture focused on accountability, teamwork and operational excellence.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience as a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager or similar operational leadership position.
• Strong background within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrable experience managing, motivating and developing production teams.
• Good understanding of production planning, resource allocation and operational performance.
• Experience monitoring and improving KPIs, including productivity, efficiency, quality and on-time delivery.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement and quality-focused manufacturing processes.
• Strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Confident decision-maker with a proactive, hands-on management style.

Qualifications

• Relevant engineering, manufacturing or operations qualification, or equivalent practical industry experience.
• IOSH Managing Safely or a similar Health & Safety qualification would be advantageous.

What We're Looking For

We are particularly interested in speaking with candidates who are passionate about manufacturing, enjoy developing people and have a proven track record of improving operational performance.

You will be a confident leader who can balance the demands of daily production with longer-term improvements, ensuring the business consistently achieves its quality, efficiency and customer delivery objectives.