Production Manager

JR United Kingdom; St. Austell; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a dynamic Production Manager to oversee operations in a collaborative manufacturing environment. This leadership role involves managing a team of 20, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring production meets quality and efficiency targets. With a strong focus on people and culture, this opportunity offers the chance to make impactful decisions and foster a positive work environment. If you're passionate about operational excellence and ready to lead a dedicated team, this role could be your next big step.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in a manufacturing environment with a focus on operational excellence.
• Strong technical background in mechanical or electrical systems.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage production schedules to optimize resources.
• Lead and develop shop floor staff while driving continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership in manufacturing

Technical understanding of mechanical systems

Communication skills

Data-driven decision making

Lean/continuous improvement

Tools

Production planning tools

ERP systems

Job description

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Are you a people-focused leader with a passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement?

We’re working with a long-established, highly respected manufacturing business in Cornwall that supplies complex mechanical and electronic systems across the aerospace, defence, automotive, and industrial sectors. Due to continued success and internal progression, they’re now seeking a Production Manager to lead day-to-day operations on the shop floor.

The Opportunity

This is a key leadership position overseeing a team of 20 production operators, including three Team Leaders and dedicated production engineering support. You’ll play a critical role in shaping the production environment—developing schedules, improving processes, mentoring your team, and ensuring output meets quality, safety, and efficiency targets.

This business has a genuine focus on people and culture, with very low staff turnover and a collaborative, team-oriented environment. You’ll have the autonomy to make impactful decisions and the support to implement change.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Creating and managing production schedules to meet demand and optimise resources
• Leading, coaching and developing shop floor staff
• Managing inventory, materials, and finished goods with minimal waste
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives and lean principles
• Upholding and promoting health and safety best practices
• Monitoring performance metrics and reporting to senior leadership
• Balancing quality, cost, and delivery without compromising standards

What We’re Looking For

• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing/production environment
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical and/or electrical systems
• Excellent communication, coaching, and people management skills
• Confidence using data to drive decisions and process improvements
• Experience with lean/continuous improvement (formal certification not essential)
• Background in complex production environments—such as defence, aerospace, or automotive—advantageous

Bonus Points For

• Familiarity with production planning tools or ERP systems
• Exposure to mechanical control systems or highly regulated industries
• Eligibility for (or existing) SC Security Clearance

This is a rare opportunity to join a stable, innovation-driven organisation where your leadership will directly shape success on the shop floor. If you’re looking to make a tangible impact in a people-first business, we’d love to hear from you.

Monday to Thursday, 37 hours per week

Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.