Production Manager, Ripley

A materials supplier are looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations across multiple production processes, ensuring products are delivered safely, efficiently, on time, and to the highest quality standards.

This role requires a hands-on leader who can drive performance, develop teams, and champion continuous improvement across all operational areas. You will be responsible for leading Shift Leaders and Team Leaders while maintaining standards in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Productivity, and People Management.

 

Salary/ Hours/ Benefits

• Up to £60,000 per annum
• Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm (40 hours per week)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Matched pension contributions up to 8%
• Sharesave scheme

 

Key Responsibilities of a Production Manager:

• Lead and maintain a safe, compliant, and high-performing production environment.
• Manage daily manufacturing operations to achieve production, quality, and delivery targets.
• Lead and develop Shift Leaders and production teams through effective performance management.
• Monitor operational performance and drive improvements in efficiency, productivity, and resource utilisation.
• Ensure products meet customer, quality, and ISO standards.
• Investigate quality issues, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical support and resolve production or process-related challenges.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles and best practices.
• Monitor key KPIs including OEE, scrap, labour productivity, and quality performance.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.

 

Financial & Resource Management:

• Manage budgets, costs, and departmental resources effectively.
• Identify cost-saving and efficiency improvement opportunities.
• Ensure operational and financial targets are achieved.

 

General Responsibilities of a Production Manager:

• Act as a visible and approachable leader across the site.
• Build strong working relationships across departments.
• Deliver against business objectives and operational deadlines.
• Promote employee engagement and a positive workplace culture.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism and accountability.

 

Skills & Experience of a Production Manager (Essential):

• Significant production management experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Experience managing performance, development, disciplinaries, and employee engagement.
• Proven ability to lead teams within a fast-paced manufacturing operation.
• Experience driving continuous improvement programmes and Lean initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Commercial awareness and operational focus.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Strong understanding of Quality, Health & Safety, and Environmental requirements.

 

Personal Attributes:

• Positive, proactive, and solutions-focused mindset.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Highly motivated and accountable.
• Analytical approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to influence and engage teams at all levels.
• Collaborative leadership style.
• Commitment to continuous learning and development.

 

Qualifications:

• ILM Level 4 in Operations or equivalent.
• IOSH Managing Safely.
• Lean Manufacturing Awareness training.
• HNC in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (advantageous).
• Experience within plastics manufacturing, injection moulding, extrusion, or similar manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.

 

We are seeking a hands-on Production Manager who can lead from the front, inspire teams, and drive operational excellence. You will have a strong manufacturing background, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for continuous improvement, safety, quality, and people development.

 

This Vacancy is being advertised by Essential Recruitment (An Employment Agency)