Production Manager

Prime Appointments Ltd; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit share bonus scheme

37.5-hour work week (Mon–Fri)

Opportunity to join leadership team

Job summary

Prime Appointments Ltd in Ipswich is seeking an experienced Production Manager to own and optimise manufacturing operations. The role combines hands-on leadership with a focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement to meet demanding targets.

Based in Ipswich, the successful candidate will manage production planning, capacity, delivery performance, and team development while collaborating with Quality and senior leadership to drive long-term improvements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as Production/Manufacturing/Operations Manager or similar leadership role.
• Experience in a manufacturing, engineering or machinery-based environment.
• Proven ability to improve operational performance and hit targets.
• Experience managing KPIs, budgets and workforce planning.
• Strong Health & Safety management experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day manufacturing operations including production planning, scheduling and execution.
• Oversee customer service and delivery requirements.
• Ensure effective utilisation of labour, machinery and materials.
• Drive operational performance via KPI management and monitoring.
• Deliver monthly production plans and maintain OTIF performance targets.
• Identify bottlenecks and drive improvements to maximise efficiency.
• Champion continuous improvement across the business.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste and optimise processes.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, policies and industry regulations and assist in resolving non-conformances.
• Take overall responsibility for Health & Safety.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Manufacturing knowledge

Problem solving

Data-driven

Communication

Organisational skills

Process improvement

Job description

An independent engineering firm in Ipswich is now looking for an experienced and driven Production Manager to take ownership of our manufacturing operations.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on operational leader with a strong engineering background to join a well-established and respected manufacturer in a key leadership position. Primary duty will be supporting the team while driving efficiency, quality, safety, and continuous improvement across the business.

Based in Ipswich, this is a full-time position working Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week. Reporting to the senior leadership team, the Production Manager will oversee all aspects of manufacturing and operational performance, ensuring targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

You will play a key role in developing people, improving processes, implementing operational best practices, and supporting the company's long-term strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities: -

• Manage the day-to-day manufacturing operations, including production planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Oversee customer service and delivery requirements.
• Ensure the effective utilisation of labour, machinery, and materials.
• Drive operational performance through KPI management and continuous monitoring.
• Deliver monthly production plans and maintain OTIF (On Time In Full) performance targets.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks to maximise efficiency.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement throughout the business.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimise processes.
• Ensure compliance with all quality standards, policies, and industry regulations.
• Collaborate with Quality Control teams to investigate and resolve non-conformances.
• Take overall responsibility for Health & Safety across the business.

• Lead, motivate, and develop production teams, supervisors, and fitters.
• Foster a positive, high-performance culture focused on accountability and teamwork.
• Conduct performance reviews and identify training and development opportunities.
• Act as a mentor to apprentices and support workforce development initiatives.

Essential Experience: -

• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Production, Manufacturing or Operations Manager. Or a similar leadership role.
• Proven experience within a manufacturing, engineering or machinery-based environment.
• Demonstrable success in improving operational performance and delivering targets.
• Experience managing KPIs, budgets and workforce planning.
• Strong Health & Safety management experience.

Skills & Knowledge: -

• Excellent leadership and people management abilities.
• Strong engineering and manufacturing knowledge.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Data-driven approach to operational management.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to challenge existing processes and implement positive changes.

Additional Requirements: -

• Full UK driving licence.
• Willingness to travel occasionally when required.
• Experience producing risk assessments and RAMS.
• Passion for mentoring apprentices and developing team members.

What's On Offer?

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Profit share bonus scheme
• Full-time permanent position based in Ipswich.
• Monday to Friday working pattern, 37.5 hours per week.
• Opportunity to join the leadership team