Production Manager

OSI Electronics; St. Neots; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

OSI Electronics UK, based in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead SMT, Conventional Assembly, Inspection and Test operations. You will oversee production activities to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective products while upholding quality and customer satisfaction. The role focuses on continuous improvement, workforce development, and delivering growth for OSI Electronics UK.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering or related discipline; equivalent experience.
• Experience leading high-volume production and large teams.
• Strong knowledge of electronics manufacturing processes, production planning, quality systems, and health & safety requirements.
• Demonstrated experience driving operational improvements and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Effective leadership, coaching, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day production activities across SMT, Conventional Assembly, Inspection, and Test departments.
• Ensure customer delivery requirements are achieved through planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Monitor production performance, quality, and efficiency; address issues to minimise delays.
• Collaborate with Planning, Purchasing, Engineering, and Stores to ensure material availability and smooth flow.
• Manage labour utilisation, productivity and costs; develop capacity plans and resource strategies.
• Lead, coach, and develop a large production workforce; promote accountability and continuous improvement.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Production planning

Lean manufacturing

Stakeholder management

Team development

Problem-solving

Data-driven decision making

Quality systems

Health & safety compliance

Microsoft Office

Education

Engineering degree or related discipline

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Manufacturing reporting tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

OSI Electronics, UK is based in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. From design, prototype, and PCB assembly to volume box builds, we make electronic products for UK and overseas markets. Being electronics specialists, we provide the highest quality, reliability, on-time delivery, and customer support in UK electronics manufacturing. We focus on end-to-end electronic device manufacturing, customisable to meet the individual requirements of UK and International companies and Original Equipment Manufacturers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Production Manager to lead our SMT, Conventional Assembly, Inspection, and Test operations. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving operational performance, delivering customer commitments, developing high-performing teams, and supporting the continued growth of the business. You will oversee all production activities to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of products while maintaining the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction. The successful candidate will play a critical role in continuous improvement initiatives, workforce development, and operational excellence across the manufacturing function.

Production & Operational Management

• Lead and manage day-to-day production activities across SMT, Conventional Assembly, Inspection, and Test departments.
• Ensure customer delivery requirements are achieved through effective planning, scheduling, and execution of production activities.
• Monitor production performance, output, quality, and efficiency, taking proactive action to address issues and minimise delays.
• Work closely with Planning, Purchasing, Engineering, and Stores teams to ensure material availability and smooth production flow.
• Manage labour utilisation, productivity, and operational costs in line with agreed targets and budgets.
• Develop capacity plans and resource strategies to support current and future business demands.
• Lead, coach, and develop a large production workforce, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain a flexible, multi-skilled workforce through effective training and succession planning.
• Set clear performance expectations and conduct regular performance reviews with direct reports.
• Promote a positive working environment that supports employee development, teamwork, and high performance.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence initiatives across the production function.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, lead times, and cost effectiveness.
• Support the implementation and sustainability of process improvements, standard work practices, and performance metrics.
• Champion a culture of problem-solving and data-driven decision-making.

Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all production activities comply with company procedures, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture, ensuring compliance with all HSE policies and legislation.
• Support quality improvement initiatives and ensure timely escalation and resolution of production or quality concerns.
• Demonstrate and promote adherence to the company Code of Ethics, Compliance Policies, and Core Values.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Degree qualified in an engineering, manufacturing, or related discipline, or equivalent experience within electronics and/or electro-mechanical manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience leading high-volume production or manufacturing operations and managing large teams.
• Strong understanding of electronics manufacturing processes, production planning, quality systems, and health & safety requirements.
• Demonstrated experience driving operational improvements and implementing continuous improvement methodologies.
• Effective leadership, coaching, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a results-driven approach.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing-related systems.
• Lean Six Sigma qualification or formal Continuous Improvement training.
• Experience within an Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) environment.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and production performance reporting tools.

What Success Looks Like

• Deliver customer orders safely, on time, and to the required quality standards.
• Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, and operational performance.
• Develop high-performing teams and future leaders.
• Create a culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.
• Contribute to the ongoing growth and success of OSI Electronics UK.

Company Values

Integrity

Accountability

Teamwork

All employees are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to these values and operate in accordance with our Code of Ethics and Conduct.