Manufacturing Manager

Are you an experienced Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager or Tooling Manager with a strong background in precision engineering and hands-on manufacturing?

Prime Appointments are working with a well-established precision engineering manufacturer with over 80 years of industry experience. The business produces bespoke components for demanding sectors including aerospace, defence, rail, marine and heavy engineering.

They are now looking for a hands-on Manufacturing Manager to join their leadership team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineering professional who enjoys being involved on the factory floor, leading by example and driving improvements across production, tooling, quality and Health & Safety.

Reporting closely to the Managing Director and working alongside the Factory Supervisor, you will take responsibility for the engineering function, production tooling, manufacturing processes and Health & Safety, while supporting the day-to-day operation of the factory.

You will be a visible, hands-on leader with the technical expertise to solve manufacturing problems, improve processes and develop the production team.

• Design, manufacture and maintain production tooling and fixtures.
• Develop and improve manufacturing methods for bespoke and precision-engineered products.
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications and tolerances.
• Provide hands-on technical support to production and resolve manufacturing issues.
• Identify and implement improvements to quality, efficiency, productivity and processes.
• Lead, motivate and develop the production team.
• Manage holidays, performance reviews and day-to-day people management.
• Ensure Health & Safety standards and procedures are maintained across the factory.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to future business growth.
• Work closely with senior management to ensure production targets and quality standards are achieved.

The successful Manufacturing Manager will ideally have:

• Proven experience within precision engineering or manufacturing - essential.
• A strong background in toolmaking and production tooling - essential.
• Excellent understanding of engineering drawings, specifications and tolerances.
• Previous hands-on machining and workshop experience - highly desirable.
• A recognised engineering apprenticeship - highly beneficial.
• Previous leadership, supervisory or team management experience.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Good organisational and communication skills.
• A practical, hands-on approach with the ability to lead from the front.
• Experience working within a quality-focused engineering or manufacturing environment.

• £55,000 - £65,000 salary, depending on experience.
• Monday to Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm.
• Friday: 8:00am - 1:00pm.
• 28 days' holiday, increasing to 34 days with service, including bank holidays.
• Free on-site parking.
• Long-term career opportunity within an established and respected engineering business.
• The opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth and development of the manufacturing operation.

If you're an experienced Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Tooling Manager or senior engineering professional looking for a hands-on leadership position within an established precision engineering business, we'd love to hear from you.