Production Manager

Nicholas Associates; Hawkesley; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates is seeking a Production Manager for the Aerospace department to lead manufacturing operations, ensuring EHS, quality, cost and delivery objectives are met. You will manage a team of manufacturing engineers and toolroom operators, champion continuous improvement on the shop floor, and collaborate with the Production Manager to resolve production issues.

This role emphasizes strong leadership, problem-solving, and data-driven decision making in a high-precision environment near

Qualifications

• Lean manufacturing experience and continuous improvement knowledge.
• Engineering or manufacturing degree/qualification desirable.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams on the shop floor.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver operational targets across EHS, Quality, Cost and Delivery.
• Maintain visible shop-floor leadership and drive issue resolution.
• Lead daily operations, coaching Manufacturing Engineers and SMEs.
• Foster continuous improvement and KPI achievement.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decisions

Education

Engineering qualification

Job description

Do you have a background working with any of the following processes: EDM Machining, Multi axis laser, welding or forming metals with hydraulics presses?

Would you be competent leading an experience team within a high precision environment?

If so then please read on

The basics:

Job Title: Production Manager – Aerospace department

Pay: Up to £62,000 DOE

Hours: 07:30 to 16:30 Monday to Thursday and 07:30 to 12:30 on a Friday.

Location: Near Redditch

Industry: Manufacturing – precision engineering

Structure: leading a team of x6 Manufacturing Engineers, responsible for the Toolroom and it’s operators, whilst working closely with the Production Manager to rectify production issues.

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement across our production environment. This is a key leadership role responsible for delivering operational excellence across Environment, Health & Safety (EHS), Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD) while supporting and developing engineering and manufacturing teams.

The successful candidate will be a visible leader on the shop floor, championing operational performance, safety culture, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key responsibilities of the Production Manager role:

• Deliver operational targets across EHS, Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD), supporting the site's Operational Control Model.
• Maintain a visible shop-floor presence through regular Walk the Floor activities, driving issue identification and resolution.
• Lead daily operational routines and meetings, taking ownership of manufacturing and engineering challenges.
• Champion a strong health, safety and environmental culture, ensuring compliance through JSOs, Risk Assessments and safe working practices.
• Provide practical technical solutions to improve operational performance, safety and process efficiency.
• Identify and address manufacturing constraints, driving improvements in productivity, flow and waste reduction.
• Lead continuous improvement and structured problem-solving activities across the value stream.
• Support, coach and develop Manufacturing Engineers and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
• Drive cross-functional collaboration, accountability and achievement of key performance indicators.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement and employee engagement.

The ideal candidate / Production Manager may have some of the following, however, please note these are only desirable and not essential as all applications will be looked at individually:

• Proven experience in a Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Operations Manager, or similar leadership role within a manufacturing environment that consist of one of the following processes – EDM Machining, Multi axis laser, Precision welding and/or press work.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and developing engineering and operational talent.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence, motivate, and lead teams to deliver operational objectives.
• Data-driven decision-making capability and experience managing KPIs.
• Engineering or Manufacturing-related qualification (HNC/HND, Degree, or equivalent) desirable.

Commutable from:

Redditch, Alcester and surrounding areas.