Production Manager

Job Title: Production Manager Location: Poynton, Stockport, UK Reports To: Operations Director / Managing Director Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent Company Overview Our client are a family-run engineering business with over 30 years’ heritage in the design and manufacture of high-precision machinery for the bakery, confectionery, and food processing industries. From its origins as a small fabrication workshop, the company has grown into a global exporter of bespoke processing lines and pressurised depositing systems, with approximately 70 % of turnover generated internationally. The business combines modern SolidWorks/AutoCAD design with in-house multi-axis CNC machining and fabrication capabilities to produce innovative and high-quality equipment. Role Summary As Production Manager, you will lead and coordinate all aspects of shop floor production to ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective manufacture of complex machined parts and fabricated assemblies. You’ll play a key role in driving productivity, quality, and on-time delivery for products central to bespoke machine builds. Key Responsibilities Production Leadership & Operations * Plan, schedule, and oversee daily production activities to meet delivery targets. * Manage workflow across CNC machining, manual machining, welding/fabrication, and inspection. * Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives to optimise throughput and reduce waste. Team Management & Development * Lead, mentor, and appraise production staff, including CNC operators, fabricators, and welders. * Identify skills gaps and coordinate relevant training and development activities. * Promote strong team engagement, accountability, and performance culture. Quality & Compliance * Ensure all products meet internal quality standards and customer specifications. * Support Quality Assurance functions with root-cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions. * Champion health & safety compliance in line with legal and company requirements. Process Improvement & Reporting * Continually review production processes to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies. * Drive implementation of best practices in machining and fabrication workflows. * Prepare regular production performance reports for senior leadership. Cross-Functional Collaboration * Work closely with Engineering/Design to optimise production feasibility. * Liaise with Purchasing and Supply Chain for material availability and supplier performance. * Support estimation and quoting processes with realistic production capacity input. Essential Skills & Experience * Proven experience in a manufacturing leadership role within CNC machining and fabrication environments. * Strong understanding of CNC milling, turning, welding, and fabrication processes. * Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills in high-mix, low-volume bespoke production settings. * Solid track record in implementing continuous improvement and lean methodologies. * Strong communicator with effective team leadership ability. Desirable Qualifications & Attributes * Engineering or manufacturing qualification (e.g., HNC/HND/BEng). * Experience with ERP or production planning systems. * Familiarity with CAD/CAM systems. What We Offer * Competitive salary and benefits package. * Opportunity to lead and shape production strategy in a fast-growing engineering SME. * Collaborative, supportive environment with international reach. * Career progression and professional development opportunities