Production Manager – Precision Engineering
Location: North Essex
Salary: £60,000 – £70,000
Reports to: General ManagerDirect Reports: Planner, Team Leaders & Machinists (20, growing)
Opportunity
Our client is an expanding, high‑performance engineering business seeking a forward‑thinking production manager to join a Senior Leadership Team. This key strategic role spans own‑product volume manufacture, high‑spec subcontract work, NPI handover, aerospace and defence production. As a strong operational leader with deep technical credibility and a passion for driving performance, quality and continuous improvement, you will take full ownership of production output, operational stability, continuous improvement and lean optimisation, a high‑performing multi‑skilled team, compliance with aerospace/defence standards and supporting company growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to business strategy, growth plans and operational improvement
- Present clear KPI reporting and performance trends
- Own production performance, workflow stability and capacity planning
- Oversee smooth NPI handovers and eliminate bottlenecks through structured corrective action
- Maintain compliance with AS9100 or equivalent aerospace standards
- Embed a zero‑compromise, right‑first‑time quality culture
- Lead, coach and develop a skilled team of machinists and team leaders
- Conduct performance reviews and address underperformance effectively
- Improve labour productivity, machine utilisation and reduce scrap/rework
- Protect margins across subcontract and own‑product manufacturing
Experience & Qualifications
- 5 years of production leadership in precision engineering
- Experience in aerospace and/or defence manufacturing
- Strong understanding of CNC milling, turning and high‑spec component manufacture
- Confidence using ERP/MRP systems and Excel for KPI reporting
- Background managing teams of skilled machinists
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