Production Manager M/F/D

TLD; Kempston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

TLD is seeking a Production Manager for the Powervamp site in Kempston. Reporting to the COO, you will lead production, Methods and Production Planning, ensuring safety, quality, cost and on-time delivery while driving continuous improvement and Lean initiatives.

You will manage multi-disciplinary teams, coordinate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and HR, develop skills, optimise processes and secure resources to meet site objectives in a growing international group.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering required.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in production/operations management in an industrial environment.
• Strong Lean Manufacturing knowledge and experience with ERP/production planning systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead production, Methods and Production Planning teams to deliver on time, in full and to quality.
• Drive safety culture and ensure compliance with safety rules.
• Define and monitor KPIs (safety, quality, productivity, lead time, costs) and implement action plans.
• Manage continuous improvement initiatives (5S, standard work, flow optimization).
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing and HR.
• Oversee budget, investments and capacity planning to meet site objectives.
• Coordinate with other Group sites to share best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Safety culture

Production planning

KPI management

Lean Manufacturing

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning software

Job description

Every day, in more than 150 countries, TLD equipment operates on airport tarmacs around the world.

Behind it, more than 2,300 employees who have been writing, for over 70 years, a human and industrial story in constant progression.

An international group headquartered in France, ALVEST brings together specialised companies recognised on global markets. TLD is one of them, as the world leader in Ground Support Equipment (GSE) since 1953.

We design, assemble, distribute and provide after-sales service for the equipment operating in airports worldwide, from 11 production sites across North America, Asia and Europe.

An entrepreneurial spirit, continuous innovation and a focus on customer satisfaction: this is what defines TLD.

Today, this culture commits us beyond our industry: our electric, hybrid and autonomous solutions contribute to the environmental transformation of global aviation.

THE ROLE :

As part of the evolution of our organisation, we are looking for a Production Manager to join our TLD Powervamp site based in Kempston.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and a member of the site management team, you lead all production activities as well as the Methods (Manufacturing Engineering) and Production Planning departments, and are accountable for the safety, quality, cost and delivery performance of the plant. You contribute to the site's strategic direction and play a key role in the continuous improvement of our industrial processes.

A true hands‑on manager, you lead the production teams and their supervisors, together with the Methods and Production Planning teams, working closely with all departments of the site: Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing, HR and After‑Sales Service.

YOUR MISSIONS :

• Manage, support and develop the skills of the production team, including team leaders and supervisors.
• Ensure a safe working environment: drive the HSE culture on the shop floor and guarantee compliance with safety rules and regulations.
• Plan, organise and monitor production activities to deliver equipment on time, in full and in line with quality requirements.
• Define and monitor production KPIs (safety, quality, productivity, lead time, costs) and implement the associated action plans.
• Manage the Methods department: define and optimise manufacturing processes, work standards, times and tooling, in support of production performance.
• Manage the Production Planning department: build and adjust the master production schedule, sequence workshop loads and secure on‑time delivery commitments.
• Drive continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives (5S, standard work, problem solving, flow optimisation) to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Manage production capacity and resources: workload planning, staffing, skills matrix, training and versatility of the teams.
• Ensure product quality on the line, in coordination with the Quality department, and lead the resolution of production non‑conformities.
• Manage the production budget, propose the necessary investments (equipment, tooling, layout) and ensure their implementation.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Purchasing to secure material availability and, where required, manage relationships with suppliers and customers.
• Act as a relay for the COO and contribute to site‑level projects, working with the other Group sites to share best practices.

YOUR KEYS TO SUCCESS :

Holder of a Master's degree in Engineering, you have solid experience (minimum 5 years) in production or operations management within an industrial environment, ideally in the assembly of special machinery, industrial vehicles, mobile equipment or complex products integrating mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems. You are proficient in Lean Manufacturing tools and methods and are comfortable with ERP and production planning systems.

A close and visible manager, you know how to structure a production organisation, lead multidisciplinary teams and support the development of skills in a context of growth and continuous improvement.

Recognised for your leadership and results orientation, you combine safety, quality, cost control and industrial performance. This position offers genuine development potential within the site and the Group. A professional level of English is essential to work in an international environment and collaborate with the different Group sites.

Are you passionate about management, industrial performance and building high‑quality products?

Do you want to put your expertise to work for a growing company?

#Leaner&Greener #WeAreTLD