Production Manager - Manufacturing - Ground Handling Equipment

Our client, a long-established family-owned designer and manufacturer of specialist containers and ground handling equipment, is seeking an experienced Production Manager to take ownership of their busy manufacturing facility.

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to shape day-to-day operations, elevate production performance, and embed a strong culture of efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will play a key role in optimising workflows, leading shop floor teams, and ensuring consistently high standards are delivered to customers. A core focus of the role will be driving continuous improvement initiatives and identifying opportunities to enhance manufacturing efficiency and effectiveness across all operations.

Working closely with the senior leadership team and key stakeholders, the postholder will be expected to lead from the front, demonstrating strong operational leadership while contributing to wider strategic decision-making.

The ideal candidate will be engineering-qualified, with a proven track record in manufacturing or production leadership, and the ability to inspire teams while delivering measurable operational improvements.

Our client is seeking a candidate with strong career mobility and the potential to progress into a more senior role in the short to medium term.

The Production Manager will oversee all production areas, ensuring that product is manufactured safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. A key focus of the role will be to drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, optimise workflow, and support the delivery of operational excellence across the manufacturing areas of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all production areas across the site.
• Develop, implement, and monitor production schedules and KPIs to meet customer demand and project deadlines.
• Champion lean manufacturing principles, working closely with the Operations Director to embed best practice across the business.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental requirements within the production areas.
• Manage, coach, and develop the production team to maximise performance and support future growth.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Facilities and other departments to resolve production issues and ensure the smooth running of production areas.
• Oversee resource planning, including staffing, training, and equipment requirements.
• Support the introduction of new products and processes into production.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a production management or senior supervisory role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and practical experience implementing them.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills with a track record of building high-performing teams.
• Strong problem-solving ability with a proactive, hands-on approach.
• Experience in driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Personal Attributes

• Results-driven, with a focus on quality and efficiency.
• Collaborative and able to work effectively across all levels of the business.
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to manage change effectively.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Possess a hands-on and go-do attitude.