Production Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead day‑to‑day manufacturing activities for a well‑established precision engineering business in Dorset. The role is a full‑time, day‑shift position (Monday‑Friday, 39 hours) focused on meeting delivery schedules, quality standards and key performance indicators.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate labour, materials and operational resources to maximise efficiency, throughput and utilisation across the facility.
• Lead, coach and develop Team Leaders, Supervisors and production staff, handling absence, overtime, holidays and resource planning.
• Partner with Quality and Engineering teams to reduce scrap, rework and non‑conformances, supporting root‑cause investigations.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean principles, 5S and TPM to improve flow, reduce waste and enhance right‑first‑time performance.
• Ensure health, safety and regulatory compliance, including risk assessments, PPE, machine guarding and incident follow‑up.

Required profile

• Proven experience in a production, manufacturing or operations leadership role, preferably within precision engineering, defence or aerospace.
• Formal qualification such as HNC, HND or equivalent in Manufacturing, Engineering or Operations Management (preferred but not essential).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs, operational performance management and production flow.
• Demonstrated people‑management capability, including coaching and competency development.

Required skills

• Lean manufacturing methodologies
• 5S workplace organisation
• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)