We are seeking a strategic, experienced Senior Production Manager to lead and professionalize our specialized steel and timber manufacturing operations for retail sector fixtures and fittings. The ideal candidate will have strong manufacturing industry experience , preferably with an Industrial Engineering background , and a proven track record in ERP system implementation , lean production , and just-in-time (JIT) practices.
This role is critical to transitioning the business from a reactive, ad-hoc manufacturing approach to a streamlined, high-efficiency operation. You will play a pivotal role in reducing errors and costs, increasing throughput, optimizing staff utilization, and improving scheduling and workflow planning.
Job Description
Position Title :
Senior Production Manager
Reporting To :
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Production Management
- Lead, manage, and optimize all steel and timber production lines to meet quality, cost, and delivery targets.
- Develop and implement production strategies aligned with company growth and client delivery expectations.
- Overhaul existing reaction-based production model and instil systematic, data-driven planning and prioritization processes.
2. Planning & Workflow Optimization
- Design and deploy a centralized production planning system , integrating all job cards and production schedules across departments.
- Prioritize and schedule jobs to ensure optimal resource utilization and deadline adherence.
- Eliminate bottlenecks and who shouts the loudest prioritization culture through structured job tracking and coordination.
3. ERP & Systems Implementation
- Select and implement an ERP or MRP system tailored to custom manufacturing workflows.
- Lead digitization efforts including job tracking, inventory management, production dashboards, and real-time performance metrics.
- Apply lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste, minimize rework, and improve efficiency.
- Introduce just-in-time (JIT) production where appropriate to reduce overproduction, storage costs, and material waste.
5. People & Performance Management
- Manage and coach departmental supervisors, team leaders, and production teams (both timber and steel).
- Monitor performance KPIs (output, errors, downtime, overtime, etc.) and implement corrective actions where needed.
- Right-size staffing levels to align with demand while minimizing overtime and excess capacity.
6. Quality Assurance & Risk Mitigation
- Reduce error rates and production defects through process control, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with costing, design, and installation teams to ensure manufacturability and sequencing integrity.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of experience in a custom or project-based manufacturing environment (e.g., shopfitting, furniture, steel / timber fabrication, engineering products).
- Degree in Industrial Engineering or related discipline is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in :
- Leading production in a multi-product, low-volume-high-variety environment.
- Implementing ERP / MRP systems from concept to go-live.
- Applying lean, JIT, and continuous improvement principles in real-world settings
- Strong leadership, communication, and change management skills.
- Deep understanding of the challenges in deadline-driven, specialized manufacturing.
- High proficiency in production software, Excel, and digital dashboards.
Success Measures
- Reduction in overtime and staffing inefficiencies.
- Improved lead time adherence.
- Increased production throughput and order tracking visibility.
- Successful implementation of ERP / MRP and planning systems.
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