Production Manager - Astrea

Biotage; Stonehouse; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Biotage in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead the manufacturing operation with a hands-on, proactive approach. You will balance strategic planning with day-to-day leadership, ensuring production targets are met safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.

You will drive productivity, oversee schedules, and foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and teamwork across multiple departments, while maintaining a safe and

Qualifications

• HNC in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent qualification.
• Significant experience managing manufacturing or production teams within an engineering environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the production team to deliver outstanding performance.
• Plan, coordinate and manage daily manufacturing activities.
• Develop and maintain production schedules to meet customer demand.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, quality and cost performance.
• Manage production resources, machinery and equipment to maximise uptime.
• Coaching, developing and supporting team members to achieve their full potential.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Planning & scheduling

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Hands-on approach

Education

HNC in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Are you an experienced Production Manager who thrives on improving processes, developing people, and delivering operational excellence?

We're looking for a proactive and hands-on Production Manager to lead our manufacturing operation in Stonehouse. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys balancing strategic planning with day-to-day operational leadership, ensuring production targets are met safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.

You'll play a key role in driving productivity, improving manufacturing performance and creating a positive, engaged working environment for your team.

What You'll Be Doing

As Production Manager, you'll take ownership of our production operation, ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently and on schedule. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and motivating the production team to deliver outstanding performance.
• Planning, coordinating and managing daily manufacturing activities.
• Developing and maintaining production schedules to meet customer demand.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, quality and cost performance.
• Managing production resources, machinery and equipment to maximise uptime.
• Working closely with Engineering and other departments to achieve business objectives.
• Monitoring production performance, KPIs and operational standards.
• Ensuring compliance with health & safety, quality and company procedures.
• Identifying risks and communicating operational issues to senior management.
• Coaching, developing and supporting team members to achieve their full potential.
• Managing day-to-day employee performance and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

We’re keen to hear from candidates who can demonstrate:

• HNC in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent qualification).
• Significant experience managing manufacturing or production teams within an engineering environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organisational and planning abilities.
• Experience driving productivity and continuous improvement.
• A practical, hands‑on approach with strong problem‑solving skills.
• Confidence working across multiple departments and communicating with stakeholders at all levels.

Why Join Us?

You'll be joining a business where your ideas and leadership will genuinely make a difference. We are committed to creating a safe, collaborative and high-performing environment where continuous improvement is encouraged and achievements are recognised.

This is an opportunity to influence how we manufacture, develop your team and play a key role in the continued success of our operation.

Working Environment

• Based full-time at our manufacturing facility in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire.
• Engineering workshop and production environment.
• Regular interaction with CNC machinery and manufacturing equipment.
• Occasional travel may be required for training or professional development.