Senior Production Manager

Independent Forgings and Alloys; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent forging manufacturer in the UK is seeking an experienced Production Manager to enhance operational efficiencies and processes. The successful candidate will lead cold metal processing operations and should have a strong background in engineering or manufacturing, preferably within the metals sector. This role offers generous holiday, pension contributions, bonuses, and substantial career development opportunities.

Benefits

33 days holiday including bank holidays

5% pension contribution

Performance-linked bonus scheme

Westfield health cash plan with discounts

Wellhub fitness and wellness benefits

Free workwear and PPE

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior leadership role within production or operations.
• Background in metals manufacturing highly desirable.
• Ability to enhance productivity and drive strategic growth.

Responsibilities

• Oversee performance in cold metal processing and testing.
• Lead development and execution of strategic plans.
• Monitor workflows and resource allocation.

Skills

Knowledge of Machining or NDT

Strong engineering/manufacturing background

Excellent problem-solving skills

Effective communication skills

Education

H&S qualifications (e.g., IOSH/NEBOSH)

Continuous Improvement qualification

Job description

Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA) continue to invest and grow, aiming to expand our team. Having successfully doubled our turnover through recent investments, we seek to sustain this growth by adding a senior leadership role.

We are looking for an experienced Production Manager / Operations Manager / Head of Cold Works, preferably with a background in metals manufacturing, to improve efficiencies and processes across our operations.

Main Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Operations Director, this senior leadership position oversees performance in cold metal processing and testing. The role emphasizes operational excellence, strategic growth, safety, departmental planning, capacity analysis, problem-solving, and people development.

Main duties of the role include:

1. Developing and executing strategic plans to enhance productivity, efficiency, and capacity.
2. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to support business objectives and growth initiatives.
3. Ensuring adherence to departmental plans, KPIs, and schedules.
4. Monitoring workflows, resource allocation, and equipment utilization.
5. Leading root cause analyses and implementing corrective actions.
6. Conducting capacity assessments to identify bottlenecks and improvement opportunities.
7. Using data insights for decision-making and planning.
8. Building high-performing teams through coaching and development.
9. Fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
10. Championing a zero-accident safety culture.
11. Ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
12. Leading incident investigations and corrective actions.
13. Promoting proactive risk assessments and safety training.
14. Leading succession planning and talent development.

Qualifications / Certifications

Essential:

• Knowledge of Machining or NDT
• Strong engineering/manufacturing background, ideally from precision or safety-critical sectors
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Effective communication and influencing skills at all organizational levels

Desirable:

• Knowledge of NDT accreditations and processes
• Knowledge of forging and hot metal manufacturing processes
• H&S qualifications (e.g., IOSH/NEBOSH)
• Continuous Improvement qualification

About Independent Forgings

IFA is a leading British aerospace and industrial forger, operating a state-of-the-art facility in Sheffield. We manufacture high-integrity forged components for aerospace, nuclear, power, marine, and oil & gas sectors, utilizing open and closed-die forging from raw material to finished product.

Why work for us?

We pride ourselves on being a great place to work, committed to attracting and retaining top talent to deliver excellent service to our clients.

We offer:

• 33 days holiday including bank holidays
• 5% pension contribution
• Performance-linked bonus scheme
• Westfield health cash plan with discounts
• Wellhub fitness and wellness benefits
• Free workwear and PPE
• Career development opportunities