Production Manager

Production Manager
Kettering Area
An established and expanding manufacturing business based in the Kettering area of Northamptonshire is seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee the daily operation of its production function. This is an excellent opportunity for a strong people- leader who enjoys driving performance, developing teams, and creating a culture of continuous improvement.

Working Monday to Friday, with core hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm, you'll take ownership of a multi-shift manufacturing operation, ensuring production targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate production teams across multiple shifts, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to safety standards.
• Drive improvements in productivity, output, and waste reduction through effective management and process optimisation.
• Establish, monitor, and review key performance indicators, implementing actions to improve departmental performance.
• Collaborate closely with planning, maintenance, quality, and other support functions to ensure production schedules are delivered successfully.
• Support the development of production personnel through coaching, mentoring, and skills training initiatives.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement projects to enhance manufacturing performance and operational effectiveness.
• Promote a structured and disciplined production environment, ensuring consistency in standards and expectations.
• Manage workforce planning, including holidays, training schedules, and staffing requirements, to maintain production capability and service levels.

About You

The successful candidate will bring:

• A minimum of 3-5 years' experience leading production teams within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven people management and leadership capabilities, with the ability to engage and develop teams.
• Experience delivering improvements in productivity, efficiency, and operational performance.
• A solid understanding of manufacturing processes, machinery, and production environments (ideally experience within high-speed automated production processes, but open to other).
• Strong performance management skills, including the ability to address challenges and motivate individuals and teams.
• Excellent organisational, planning, and decision-making abilities.
• A proactive mindset with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

What's on Offer?

• Salary Range: £52,000 - £57,000
• Life Assurance (4 x) / Bonus / Contributory Pension
• The opportunity to join a stable, well-invested manufacturing business with ambitious growth plans.
• A supportive leadership team and positive working culture.
• A role where you can influence change and make a tangible impact on operational performance.
• Monday to Friday working pattern with core hours of 8:00am - 4:00pm.
• A high level of autonomy, responsibility, and ownership.

This role will suit candidates with the previous titles of: Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Shift Manager, Conversion Manager, Plant Manager, Unit Manager, Works Manager.

The Hire Place LLP is acting as a recruitment agency on behalf of its client.