Production Manager

Electus Recruitment; Whitstable; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in precision engineering seeks a Production Manager to oversee a busy CNC machine shop. This permanent role involves leading a skilled team to implement lean principles and improve safety, performance, and productivity. A background in engineering and strong leadership skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in production or operations management within manufacturing or engineering.
• Demonstrable use of lean principles (5S, TPM, visual management).
• Technical confidence in CNC machining.

Responsibilities

• Ensure shopfloor safety and performance through proactive coaching.
• Improve efficiency, yield and budget control using root-cause problem solving.
• Cultivate team capability and consistency through training and coaching.

Skills

Lean principles

Team leadership

Problem-solving

CNC machining knowledge

H&S practices

Education

HNC/Degree or equivalent

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Spreadsheets

Job description

Production Manager – CNC Machining & Precision Engineering
Whitstable, Kent| £45,000–£50,000 | Permanent | Mon–Thu 08:00–16:30, Fri 08:00–13:30

Take full operational ownership of a busy CNC machine shop and lead measurable improvements across safety, output, and team capability. This role sits within a well-established global engineering group known for its technical innovation, robust product range, and investment in modern manufacturing practices.

You will manage a skilled team of 20, with the autonomy to shape daily production through lean principles, smart planning and real-time performance tools.

Key Responsibilities:

• Elevate shopfloor safety and performance with regular Gemba walks, proactive coaching and real‑time performance tracking
• Deliver measurable gains in efficiency, yield and budget control through root‑cause problem solving, lean tools and operator engagement
• Cultivate team capability and consistency by overseeing training, shift continuity and coaching culture, reducing overtime and improving flexibility

Requirements:

• Proven experience in production or operations management within manufacturing or engineering
• Demonstrable use of lean principles (5S, TPM, visual management) to deliver quantifiable KPI improvements
• Strong team leadership skills, with a focus on skill development, shift coordination and operator engagement
• Technical confidence (CNC machining knowledge, systems like MRP/ERP, spreadsheets) and a solid grounding in H&S practices
• Qualifications at HNC/Degree level or equivalent
• Eligibility: Right to work in the UK (no sponsorship)

Why This Role?

• Clear metrics to own: safety records, productivity, quality yield, on‑time delivery, overtime and cost control
• Visible impact: your improvements will be measured and celebrated, driving both business performance and team morale
• Responsible autonomy: hands‑on authority to shape processes and develop people
• Be part of a team that values purposeful leadership, operational excellence and continuous development.

Electus Recruitment Solutions provides specialist engineering and technical recruitment solutions to a number of high-technology industries. We thank you for your interest in this vacancy. If you don't hear from us within seven working days, please presume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. You are, of course, free to resubmit your CV/details in the future, and we shall assess your suitability at that time.

This is a permanent role.