Production Manager

STR Group Limited; St. Austell; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in Cornwall is seeking a Production Manager to lead a team of 20 in a collaborative environment. This role offers the chance to shape production processes, improve efficiency, and uphold quality standards. With a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement, you'll have the autonomy to make impactful decisions while fostering a people-first culture. If you're passionate about driving change and leading teams in a stable, innovation-driven organization, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical and/or electrical systems.

Responsibilities

• Creating and managing production schedules to meet demand.
• Leading, coaching, and developing shop floor staff.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives and lean principles.

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

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.

Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.