Production Manager

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

Job summary

Nicholas Associates is recruiting a Production Manager in Dereham, Norfolk. You will lead day-to-day manufacturing operations, drive production performance, develop teams and support continuous improvement across the site.

The role emphasizes people leadership, planning, and delivering objectives to meet customer and business targets. Reporting to the COO, you will manage KPIs, coordinate with Planning, Quality and Sales, control costs, and promote a culture of safety, quality and operational

Qualifications

• Experience in production/manufacturing management.
• Leading production teams and driving performance.
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.

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

Production management

Team leadership

KPI-driven performance

Lean manufacturing

Education

Engineering/Manufacturing/Operations 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