Production Manager – Aerospace Manufacturing

About the role

Meritus Talent is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead a busy aerospace manufacturing facility in Southampton. You will be responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality production while meeting on‑time‑in‑full (OTIF) customer commitments.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day production operations across the plant.
• Manage production teams to achieve safety, quality, delivery and cost targets.
• Drive continuous‑improvement initiatives to boost productivity and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Collaborate with Engineering on New Product Introduction (NPI) and manufacturing readiness.
• Maintain compliance with AS9100 standards and support internal/external audits.
• Monitor performance, resolve manufacturing issues and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate production schedules with Supply Chain and Planning to meet demand.
• Develop and mentor staff, fostering a high‑performance manufacturing culture.

Required profile

• Proven experience in a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Supervisor or similar leadership role.
• Background in aerospace or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and production performance metrics.
• Experience managing production teams and driving operational improvements.
• Knowledge of AS9100 or equivalent quality management systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder‑management abilities.

Required skills

• Lean manufacturing
• Continuous improvement
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• AS9100 quality standards
• New Product Introduction (NPI)
• Manufacturing process improvement
• Production planning
• Project management

What we offer

• Salary up to £65,000 (DOE)
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Excellent career progression opportunities
• Ongoing professional development