Production Manager

polkadotfrog Limited; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

polkadotfrog Limited in Ipswich is seeking an experienced Production Manager to join the senior management team. The role leads day-to-day manufacturing operations, drives improvements, and supports the company’s three-year strategy.

You will oversee production planning, lead teams, and manage safety and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will have strong engineering experience in manufacturing, proven leadership, and a drive for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven production management experience within manufacturing or engineering.
• Strong engineering background, preferably in machinery manufacturing.
• Experience managing Health & Safety, including risk assessments and RAMS.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to develop and motivate teams.
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Continuous improvement mindset with ability to challenge processes and drive change.
• Valid driving licence and willingness to travel when required.

Responsibilities

• Managing production planning, scheduling and resources to meet targets and deadlines.
• Leading, motivating and developing production teams, including fitters, team leaders and apprentices.
• Driving continuous improvement, improving efficiency, reducing costs and supporting factory modernisation.
• Taking responsibility for Health & Safety, including risk assessments, RAMS and regulatory compliance.
• Working closely with purchasing, suppliers and subcontractors to ensure smooth production operations.
• Monitoring KPIs, budgets and operational performance, contributing to strategic business decisions.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Strategic thinking

Continuous improvement

Problem solving

Decision making

Driving licence

Job description

Production Manager

Ipswich, Suffolk

Circa 50,000 per annum + up to 20% management bonus

Permanent | Fulltime

polkadotfrog are delighted to be partnering with a fantastic Ipswich-based manufacturing business as they look to welcome an experienced Production Manager to their senior management team.

The package includes:

• Circa 50,000 basic salary + up to 20% management bonus, subject to company objectives being achieved

Competitive benefits package

A key role in shaping the company's three-year business strategy

The opportunity to lead factory improvements, modernisation and future investment

Ongoing professional development and career opportunities

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Production Manager with a strong engineering background who enjoys leading teams, improving processes and driving operational excellence.

It's an exciting time to join, with a new three-year strategy being developed and plans to reorganise, modernise and invest in the factory. You’ll have a real opportunity to influence change and shape the future of the operation.

What will you be doing

Reporting to the Managing Director, you’ll oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, lead the production team and contribute to wider business strategy.

• Managing production planning, scheduling and resources to ensure targets and deadlines are met
• Leading, motivating and developing production teams, including fitters, team leaders and apprentices
• Driving continuous improvement, improving efficiency, reducing costs and supporting factory modernisationTaking responsibility for Health Safety, including risk assessments, RAMS and regulatory compliance
• Working closely with purchasing, suppliers and subcontractors to ensure smooth production operations
• Monitoring KPIs, budgets and operational performance, contributing to strategic business decisions

What are we looking for

We’re looking for a proactive, hands-on Production Manager with strong leadership skills and a passion for improving manufacturing operations.

• Proven production management experience within manufacturing or engineering, ideally 57 years
• A strong engineering background, preferably within machinery manufacturing
• Experience managing Health Safety, including risk assessments and RAMS
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to develop and motivate teams
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• A continuous improvement mindset, with the confidence to challenge processes and drive positive change
• A valid driving licence and willingness to travel when required are also essential.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful manufacturing business at a pivotal stage of its development. If you’re looking for a role where you can take ownership, influence strategy and make a genuine impact, we’d love to hear from you.

At polkadotfrog, we are committed to creating a positive and inclusive recruitment experience for every applicant. We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments and are happy to provide information in alternative formats where needed.