Production Manager

Futures recruitment are recruiting on behalf of a well-established manufacturing business seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead and develop its production operations. This role is ideally suited to candidates from the furniture manufacturing industry or similar environments such as joinery, cabinetry, woodworking, interiors, shop fitting, metal fabrication, or other high-volume manufacturing sectors.

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence, improving productivity, ensuring quality standards are maintained, and leading production teams to achieve business objectives. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong people management skills, a continuous improvement mindset, and a proven ability to deliver results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop production teams to achieve operational targets.
• Manage day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring production schedules are delivered safely, efficiently, and on time.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, waste reduction, and cost control.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation and company policies.
• Collaborate closely with Planning, Engineering, Quality, Procurement, and Logistics teams to ensure smooth operational flow.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Manage labour resources effectively to maximise efficiency and productivity.
• Lead performance management, coaching, training, and succession planning activities within the production team.
• Support the implementation of new products, processes, and operational improvements.
• Maintain high standards of product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and high-performance culture across the manufacturing operation.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager, or similar leadership role.
• Background within the furniture manufacturing industry is highly desirable, although candidates from related manufacturing sectors will also be considered.
• Demonstrable experience leading and developing production teams within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of production planning, workflow management, and operational performance metrics.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives that have delivered measurable business benefits.

Qualifications

• Formal qualification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green Belt or above), Continuous Improvement, or a related discipline.