Production Manager

White Raven Resourcing Ltd; Newbridge; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

White Raven Resourcing Ltd is seeking a Production Manager for an on-site role in the Deeside/Flintshire area to lead a high‑performing aerospace/defence manufacturing operation.

You will drive SQCDP objectives, champion Lean and Six Sigma, ensure AS9100/ISO compliance, coach teams, and deliver safe, quality-driven results with strong collaboration across functions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' manufacturing leadership experience in aerospace/regulated industry.
• Experience with AS9100, Lean, RCA and production planning.
• Experience overseeing assembly and testing of complex electro-mechanical products.
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Syteline) and related tools.
• Degree or equivalent in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical/Manufacturing Engineering or STEM.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily SQCDP reviews and drive performance targets.
• Balance safety, quality, cost, delivery and people objectives.
• Develop and coach supervisors and teams; manage succession.
• Foster safety culture through risk assessments and investigations.
• Ensure AS9100 and ISO compliance; maintain traceability.
• Drive Lean, Six Sigma, 5S/6S and root cause analysis initiatives.
• Manage production planning, capacity and labour planning.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for NPI and industrialisation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Lean Manufacturing

Root Cause Analysis

Six Sigma Green Belt

SIOP experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Degree/HNC/HND in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical/Manufacturing Engineering or related STEM

Tools

SAP

Syteline

Job description

Production Manager

Location: Deeside / Flintshire area (onsite)

Contract Type: Permanent

Department: Operations

About the Opportunity

Our client is a well-established and growing manufacturer operating within the aerospace and defence sector. The organisation specialises in the design, manufacture, assembly, testing, repair and support of highly engineered components and systems supplied to customers worldwide.

Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead a high-performing manufacturing operation, driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction, safety and quality across assembly, test, development and new product introduction (NPI) activities.

The Role

The Production Manager will be responsible for delivering safe, compliant and efficient manufacturing performance while leading operational improvement through a Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and People (SQCDP) framework. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing teams, improving processes and ensuring exceptional customer outcomes in a highly regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily SQCDP reviews, ensuring performance targets are achieved and recovery plans are implemented where necessary.
  
• Make data-driven decisions that balance safety, quality, cost, delivery and people objectives.
  
• Develop, coach and support supervisors and operational teams through performance management, succession planning, training and employee engagement initiatives.
  
• Foster a positive and proactive safety culture through visible leadership, risk assessments, incident investigations and continuous improvement activities.
  
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 and applicable ISO standards, maintaining full product conformity, configuration control and traceability.
  
• Drive operational excellence initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S/6S methodologies, standard work practices and structured root cause analysis.
  
• Lead manufacturing performance improvements relating to asset utilisation, productivity, inventory control, quality and cost reduction.
  
• Manage production planning, capacity management, labour planning and schedule adherence to meet customer requirements.
  
• Promote open communication across the department and wider business.
  
• Oversee production, testing and development activities, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
  
• Deliver and exceed key performance indicators, including OEE, First Pass Yield, On-Time Delivery, productivity, quality, labour efficiency and cost performance.
  
• Ensure compliance with company, customer, regulatory and statutory requirements.
  
• Support import/export control and trade compliance obligations where applicable.
  
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Programme Management and Logistics teams to support NPI, industrialisation and delivery objectives.
  
• Structure and manage the team effectively to achieve business goals.
  
• Champion employee wellbeing, inclusion, learning and professional development.
  
• Undertake additional management responsibilities as required to support business needs.
  

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years' manufacturing leadership experience within aerospace, defence or another highly regulated industry.
  
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach.
  
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  
• Working knowledge of AS9100, Lean Manufacturing, Root Cause Analysis and production planning methodologies.
  
• A proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous learning and development.
  
• Experience overseeing the assembly and testing of complex electro-mechanical and/or hydro-mechanical products.
  
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Syteline or equivalent.
  
• Experience leading hydro/electrical mechanical assembly operations.
  
• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher qualification.
  
• Sales, Inventory and Operations Planning (SIOP) experience.
  
• Degree, HNC, HND or equivalent qualification in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing Engineering or a related STEM discipline.
  

Package & Additional Information

• Reporting to: Site Leader
  
• Salary and package negotiable upon experience
• Location: Onsite in the Deeside / Flintshire area.
  
• Working Hours: 37 hours per week
  
• Flexibility may be required to support operational requirements and shift activities.
  
• Opportunity to join a growing organisation operating within a highly advanced manufacturing environment.