Production Manager

Orion Electrotech; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Orion Electrotech is recruiting an experienced Workshop Manager for a busy bespoke architectural metalwork and fabrication workshop in the United Kingdom. You will lead fabricators, welders, polishers and workshop operatives, ensuring safe, on-time delivery of high-quality workmanship while reporting to management.

The role requires hands-on leadership, problem solving, continuous improvement and the ability to coordinate production planning with Operations.

Qualifications

• Experience as Workshop Manager or similar in metal fabrication.
• Ability to read technical/engineering drawings.
• Strong leadership and safety focus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day workshop operations and workflow.
• Plan, organise and coordinate activities to meet production schedules.
• Lead and motivate fabricators, welders, polishers and general operatives.
• Coordinate with Operations Manager on workloads and priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality and productivity.

Skills

Team leadership

Production planning

Problem solving

Reading drawings

Health & safety

Quality focus

Communication

Organisational skills

Manufacturing supervision

Tools

Fabrication equipment

Welding equipment

Job description

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Workshop Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of a busy bespoke architectural metalwork and fabrication workshop.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently, on time, and to the highest quality standards. You will lead a team of fabricators, welders, polishers, and workshop operatives while acting as the key link between the workshop and management team.

The successful candidate will be a practical leader who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, and motivating teams to achieve outstanding results.

Key Responsibilities

Workshop Management

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the workshop.
• Plan, organise and coordinate workshop activities to meet production schedules.
• Allocate work effectively across fabricators, welders, polishers and general operatives.
• Monitor workflow and reassign resources where necessary to maintain productivity.
• Ensure jobs progress through each stage in the correct sequence.
• Maintain a clean, organised and efficient workshop environment.

Production Planning & Delivery

• Work closely with the Operations Manager to understand upcoming workloads and priorities.
• Translate project requirements into practical workshop activities.
• Ensure materials, drawings, equipment and components are available before production begins.
• Monitor daily production targets and workshop performance.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions before deadlines are impacted.
• Report delays, resource requirements and operational challenges to management.

Quality Management

• Maintain high standards of workmanship across all fabrication, welding, finishing and assembly activities.
• Ensure staff are working from the latest drawings, specifications and job documentation.
• Carry out in-process inspections to identify issues early.
• Resolve fabrication and production issues efficiently.
• Drive reductions in rework, waste and production errors.
• Work closely with the Quality Control Manager to maintain standards.

Team Leadership

• Lead, motivate and supervise workshop employees.
• Set clear expectations regarding quality, productivity, attendance and behaviour.
• Conduct toolbox talks and team briefings.
• Support the development and training of apprentices and less experienced staff.
• Identify skills gaps and recommend training requirements.
• Address performance issues appropriately and promote accountability.
• Foster a positive team culture focused on quality and continuous improvement.

Health & Safety

• Ensure all workshop activities are carried out in accordance with company procedures and safety requirements.
• Ensure correct PPE is used at all times.
• Ensure Risk Assessments and safe working practices are followed.
• Conduct regular safety inspections.
• Report and investigate accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions.
• Ensure the safe use of machinery, lifting equipment and welding equipment.
• Control access to restricted areas, including specialist welding facilities.

Machinery, Equipment & Materials

• Ensure machinery and equipment are maintained and used correctly.
• Arrange maintenance and report breakdowns when required.
• Monitor consumable usage and stock levels.
• Ensure materials are correctly identified, stored and controlled.
• Minimise waste and maintain effective control of work-in-progress and finished products.
• Liaise with Stores and Goods In to resolve shortages and material issues.

Continuous Improvement

• Continuously identify opportunities to improve safety, quality and productivity.
• Improve workshop layout, workflow and material movement.
• Reduce waiting times and non-value-added activities.
• Improve fabrication, welding, grinding and polishing processes.
• Implement permanent solutions to recurring problems.

Communication

• Act as the key communication link between the workshop and office teams.
• Communicate priorities, production schedules and delivery risks.
• Escalate issues relating to quality, materials, manpower or delivery dates promptly.
• Provide clear updates on workshop performance and progress.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Previous experience within a Workshop Manager, Production Supervisor, Manufacturing Supervisor or Fabrication Manager position.
• Strong background in bespoke architectural metalwork, fabrication or sheet metal manufacturing.
• Ability to read and interpret technical and engineering drawings.
• Strong knowledge of fabrication and welding processes.
• Experience managing and motivating teams of approximately 6-10 employees.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Excellent problem-solving ability.
• Good understanding of workplace Health & Safety requirements.
• Strong quality focus and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Desirable

• Experience within stainless steel fabrication or architectural metalwork.
• Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Relevant leadership, fabrication, welding or health & safety qualifications.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a practical, hands-on leader who:

• Leads from the front.
• Maintains high standards.
• Remains calm under pressure.
• Challenges poor workmanship when necessary.
• Takes ownership of problems and delivers solutions.
• Is passionate about safety, quality and operational excellence.