Production Manager

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

Job summary

A prominent engineering firm is seeking a Production Manager for their CNC machining division in Whitstable. This permanent role involves overseeing a skilled team to drive measurable improvements in safety, efficiency, and productivity. The ideal candidate will possess robust leadership skills and proven experience in implementing lean principles within a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in production or operations management within manufacturing.
• Demonstrated use of lean principles to achieve KPI improvements.
• Strong focus on team development and operator engagement.

Responsibilities

• Elevate shop floor safety and performance through coaching.
• Deliver gains in efficiency and budget control via lean tools.
• Cultivate team capability through training and oversight.

Skills

Team Leadership

Lean Principles

Problem Solving

CNC Machining Knowledge

Health & Safety Practices

Education

HNC/Degree level 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.