Project Manager (Production & Operations) – NPI Manufacturing – Buckinghamshire – 3 Month Contract (Outside IR35)
*This role is focused on bringing structure and coordination to the manufacturing operation by breaking complex product builds into manageable workstreams, aligning Engineering, Production, Stores and Procurement teams, and ensuring products are delivered efficiently, on time and in line with business objectives.
Role: Project Manager (Production & Operations)
Location: Buckinghamshire (4 Days Per Week On-Site)
Contract: Initial 3-Month Contract (Outside IR35)
Overview
Our client is an innovative engineering and manufacturing business developing advanced technology products within a highly regulated environment.
Following a period of significant growth, the business is seeking an experienced Project Manager (Production & Operations) to bring greater structure, visibility and coordination across its manufacturing operation.
This role sits between Engineering, Production, Stores, Procurement and Leadership teams, ensuring that product delivery programmes are effectively planned, broken down into manageable workstreams and executed in line with business objectives.
The successful candidate will be responsible for creating clear production plans, coordinating departmental activities, identifying bottlenecks and ensuring all functions remain aligned throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.
This is a highly visible role requiring someone who can combine project management discipline with a practical understanding of manufacturing operations and production environments.
Responsibilities
Production & Operations Planning
- Break down complex product manufacturing programmes into structured and manageable work packages.
- Develop integrated production and operational plans aligned with business priorities.
- Coordinate activities across Engineering, Production, Stores, Procurement and Quality teams.
- Ensure all departments understand upcoming deliverables, dependencies and timelines.
- Facilitate regular planning and review meetings with departmental stakeholders.
- Maintain visibility of programme progress and delivery risks.
Cross-Functional Project Management
- Act as the central coordination point between operational departments.
- Translate high-level business objectives into clear operational actions.
- Monitor project milestones and ensure departments remain aligned to delivery schedules.
- Escalate risks, delays and resource constraints where necessary.
- Drive accountability across multiple stakeholders and functions.
- Support leadership teams with accurate progress reporting and operational updates.
Production Readiness & Execution
- Ensure materials, resources, tooling and production requirements are aligned with manufacturing schedules.
- Coordinate with Stores and Procurement teams to minimise production disruption.
- Identify manufacturing bottlenecks and implement practical solutions.
- Support product introduction, build readiness and production ramp-up activities.
- Improve workflow visibility across the entire production process.
Process Improvement
- Develop scalable operational planning and reporting processes.
- Introduce practical tools, trackers and dashboards to improve visibility and decision-making.
- Improve communication and coordination between departments.
- Support the development of repeatable manufacturing processes as production volumes increase.
- Drive improvements in operational efficiency, planning accuracy and programme execution.
Requirements
Essential
- Experience as a Project Manager, Operations Manager, Manufacturing Project Manager, Production Manager, Programme Manager or similar role.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and production environments.
- Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders across Engineering, Production, Procurement, Stores and Quality functions.
- Ability to break down complex projects into structured delivery plans and actionable work packages.
- Excellent organisational, planning and communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving ability with a proactive and hands-on approach.
- Experience managing delivery risks, dependencies and operational constraints.
Desirable
- Aerospace, defence, advanced engineering, automotive, UAV, electronics or technology manufacturing experience.
- Experience supporting low-to-medium volume manufacturing operations.
- ERP/MRP systems experience.
- Exposure to production planning and scheduling environments.
- Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
- Experience scaling manufacturing operations.
Deliverables
During the engagement, the successful consultant will be expected to:
- Establish a clear production and operational delivery framework.
- Improve coordination across manufacturing departments.
- Create structured project plans for current and upcoming production programmes.
- Increase visibility of production progress, risks and dependencies.
- Improve communication between Engineering, Stores, Procurement and Production teams.
- Support leadership in developing a more scalable and predictable manufacturing operation.
- Ensure manufacturing activities remain aligned to business delivery objectives.
Ideal Background
Candidates are likely to have held positions such as:
- Project Manager
- Manufacturing Project Manager
- Operations Project Manager
- Production Manager
- Programme Manager
- Operations Manager
- Manufacturing Operations Manager
- NPI Project Manager
- Production Planning Manager
- Manufacturing Delivery Manager
within advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence, automotive, electronics, engineering or technology-led production environments.
If this opportunity is of interest, please apply via LinkedIn or contact george.taylor@everec.co.uk.
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