Technical Production Manager

Baker Recruitment Group Ltd; Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Baker Recruitment Group Ltd is recruiting a Technical Production Manager in the UK to lead manufacturing operations, drive performance, and ensure safety and quality standards are met. The role requires a strong technical background, hands-on leadership on the factory floor, and a proven track record in continuous improvement.

You will oversee end‑to‑end production activities, coordinate with multiple functions, and drive Lean/Six Sigma implementations to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Degree, HND or equivalent in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
• Solid background in high‑volume industrial production.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma or CI initiatives is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to achieve output, quality, and customer service targets.
• Monitor KPIs: productivity, scrap, efficiency, downtime, labour utilisation, and OEE.
• Plan labour and machine resources to maximise utilisation and ensure smooth production flow.
• Coordinate activities with planning, engineering, maintenance, quality and supply chain teams.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for machinery and process issues.
• Drive continuous improvement and implement cost-saving initiatives.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering

Automated equipment

Technical fault diagnosis

Preventative maintenance

Production planning

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Education

Bachelor/Engineering degree

Job description

Key Objectives:

The Technical Production Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of manufacturing operation, ensuring production targets, quality standards, efficiency objectives, and health & safety requirements are consistently achieved. The role requires a highly technical individual with extensive knowledge of mechanical manufacturing processes, production equipment, continuous improvement methodologies, and production technologies.

The Technical Production Manager will drive operational performance, maximise machine uptime, develop manufacturing capability, and lead production teams to deliver world‑class quality and service to customers.

Main Duties:

Lead daily manufacturing operations to achieve output, quality, and customer service targets.

Monitor and improve KPIs including productivity, scrap, efficiency, downtime, labour utilisation, and OEE.

Plan labour and machine resources to maximise utilisation and ensure smooth production flow.

Coordinate production activities with planning, engineering, maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams.

Act as the technical authority for all processes, machinery, and automation.

Lead troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and resolution of machinery, process, and quality issues.

Improve equipment performance, reliability, and process capability through structured engineering interventions.

Support installation, commissioning, optimisation, and validation of new machinery and production lines.

Partner with maintenance to strengthen preventative maintenance strategies and reduce downtime.

Use production data to identify improvement opportunities and cost‑saving initiatives.

Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and CI initiatives across operations.

Reduce waste, optimise workflow, and embed standardised work and best practices.

Champion structured problem solving, waste elimination, and process optimisation.

Identify automation and technology improvements to enhance productivity and quality.

Ensure all products meet customer specifications and internal quality standards.

Lead investigations into quality concerns and implement corrective and preventive actions.

Work with Quality teams to reduce defects, rework, and customer complaints.

Maintain process control systems and quality assurance procedures.

Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all regulatory and environmental requirements.

Conduct risk assessments, promote safe working practices, and lead investigations into incidents and near misses.

Drive continuous improvement in safety performance and zero‑harm behaviours.

Lead, mentor, and develop team leaders, supervisors, and operators within manufacturing.

Conduct performance reviews, identify training needs, and build leadership capability.

Foster a high‑performance culture focused on accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Ensure effective communication across shifts and departments.

Translate manufacturing strategy into clear operational frameworks and measurable outcomes.

Provide senior leadership to the Senior Manufacturing Manager, and wider teams.

Oversee end‑to‑end performance production, ensuring alignment with upstream and downstream processes.

Key Skills:

Manufacturing engineering knowledge with a strong technical background in high‑volume industrial production.

Automated equipment management including operation, optimisation, and performance improvement.

Technical fault diagnosis across mechanical, electrical, and process‑related issues.

Preventative maintenance and asset management capability.

Production planning & control with strong understanding of manufacturing systems and workflow optimisation.

Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.

Manufacturing leadership in a technical or production management role.

Operational improvement delivery with a track record of productivity, efficiency, and quality gains.

People management with strong coaching and capability‑building skills.

Stakeholder communication across technical, operational, and leadership teams.

Change leadership with the ability to influence, challenge, and drive results through others.

Strong decision‑making, organisation, and prioritisation skills.

Degree, HND or equivalent in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.

Health & Safety qualification or demonstrable knowledge of manufacturing safety management.

Desirable

• Lean Manufacturing qualification.
• Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt.
• IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH.
• Project Management qualification.

Personal Attributes

• Hands‑on technical leadership with strong credibility on the factory floor.
• Results‑driven, commercially aware, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Detail‑focused with excellent problem‑solving capability.
• Resilient, proactive, and effective in fast‑paced environments.
• Able to develop people, build high‑performing teams, and maintain strong engagement.
• Holds leaders accountable while fostering a positive, improvement‑focused culture.
• Champions succession planning, capability development, and shared ownership of operational excellence