Production Manager

DFS Composites Limited; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive working environment

Ongoing professional development

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

DFS Composites Limited is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead operations in composite manufacturing at our Lee-on-the-Solent factory. The role focuses on ensuring production runs safely and efficiently while complying with aerospace standards including AS9100.

Your responsibilities will include overseeing daily activities, promoting safety, driving continuous improvement, and leading a team. A competitive salary of £50,000.00-£60,000.00 per year is offered, along with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in aerospace or composite manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of layup, vacuum bagging, VARTM, curing, and CNC processes.
• Thorough understanding of AS9100 audit requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities ensuring safety and quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement using lean manufacturing principles.
• Lead, coach, and develop production staff.

Skills

Proven experience in a Production Manager or similar role

Strong working knowledge of composite processes

Understanding of AS9100 quality management systems

Experience of lean manufacturing tools

Strong leadership and people management skills

Excellent problem-solving ability

Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

Job description

DFS Composites is a leading provider of high-precision mould tools and fixtures for composite manufacturing processes. Serving industries such as aerospace, automotive, and advanced engineering, we deliver bespoke tooling solutions from design through to delivery — with an emphasis on technical excellence, innovation, and precision.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead our composite manufacturing operations. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring production runs safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with aerospace quality standards, including AS9100. You will be instrumental in driving performance, developing the team, and supporting the ongoing growth of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities within a composite manufacturing environment, ensuring targets for safety, quality, cost, and delivery are delivered.
• Promote and maintain high standards of health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Ensure full compliance with AS9100 standards and customer-specific aerospace requirements.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, applying lean manufacturing principles to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to resolve production issues and improve processes.
• Lead, coach, and develop production staff, building a high-performing and accountable team.
• Monitor and report on KPIs, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Own production planning and resource allocation to meet current and future demand.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a Production Manager or similar role within aerospace or composite manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of composite processes (e.g. layup, vacuum bagging, VARTM, curing and 3 & 5 axis CNC).
• Thorough understanding of AS9100 quality management systems and audit requirements.
• Experience of lean manufacturing tools and continuous improvement methodologies. Especially 5S.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving ability with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work within a growing UK-based aerospace supply chain.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £50,000.00-£60,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person (DFS Composites UK factory, Lee-On-The-Solent)