Production Manager

Fred. Olsen Travel; Stowmarket; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A major rail engineering organization is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead its operations in Ipswich. The role involves ensuring efficient maintenance of locomotives, tracking production performance, and providing leadership to teams while embedding a strong safety culture. Candidates should have a background in production or engineering with relevant qualifications. A competitive salary of £50,000‑£52,000 is offered along with opportunities for career growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Scope for career growth

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Proven background in implementing continuous improvement or lean techniques.
• Solid understanding of rolling stock, traction, or related mechanical/electrical engineering disciplines.
• Willingness to undergo standard pre-employment checks.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production activity to deliver reliable, on-time maintenance.
• Embed a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with standards.
• Track KPIs, analyze trends, and drive efficiency improvements.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to production teams.
• Manage schedules, resources, and priorities for optimal productivity.
• Work with logistics and engineering teams to align maintenance plans.
• Oversee subcontractors, ensuring service levels and costs are controlled.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives and lean methodologies.

Skills

Strong leadership experience

Excellent decision-making

Problem-solving skills

Safety-driven mindset

Education

Engineering qualifications such as NVQ Level 3+, HNC/HND or equivalent

Job description

Production Manager – Ipswich (Salary: £50,000‑£52,000 + benefits). Recruiting on behalf of a leading UK rail engineering provider. GTS Transportation is proud to support a major rail engineering organisation in their search for an experienced Production Manager to lead operations at their site in Ipswich. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and forward‑thinking leader to take ownership of day‑to‑day production performance, ensuring the safe, efficient, and high‑quality maintenance of locomotives and wagons.

What you'll be doing

• Lead daily production activity to deliver reliable, on‑time maintenance across a varied fleet.
• Embed a strong safety culture and ensure all work meets strict regulatory and quality standards.
• Track key performance indicators, analyse trends, and drive actions that enhance output and efficiency.
• Provide clear leadership, coaching, and direction to production teams, encouraging professional growth and consistent performance.
• Manage schedules, resources, and priorities to minimise downtime and maximise productivity.
• Work collaboratively with planning, logistics, and engineering teams to align maintenance plans with operational demands.
• Oversee subcontractors and third‑party partners, ensuring service levels and costs remain controlled.
• Lead root‑cause investigations and champion continuous improvement initiatives, including lean methodologies.
• Act as the main production contact for internal teams, customers, and auditors.
• Support wider strategic initiatives, budget planning, and cross‑site knowledge sharing.

Participation in a weekend production call rota is required.

What we're looking for

• Strong leadership experience within a production, engineering, or heavy‑industry environment.
• Solid understanding of rolling stock, traction, or related mechanical/electrical engineering disciplines.
• Engineering qualifications such as NVQ Level 3+, HNC/HND or equivalent.
• Confident communicator with excellent decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven background in implementing continuous improvement or lean techniques.
• Safety‑driven mindset and commitment to delivering exceptional service.
• Willingness to undergo standard pre‑employment checks (medical, D&A, DBS, references).

Why apply through GTS Transportation?

• Competitive salary of £50,000‑£52,000.
• Opportunity to join a respected, well‑established rail engineering operation.
• A supportive environment with real scope for career growth.

If you're an influential leader who thrives in a fast‑paced engineering environment and wants to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now through GTS Transportation; email Alice Wright at [e-mail].