Job Description:

Production Manager – Rotherham - £60,000

We're delighted to be working with an established manufacturing business to recruit an ambitious Production Manager to take ownership of a key operational leadership role.

Reporting directly to the Production Director, this is a fantastic opportunity for either an experienced Production Manager, or an ambitious Production Operative who is looking to take the next step in their career. You'll become the operational lead for a manufacturing facility of approximately 50 employees, driving improvements across production, quality, continuous improvement, health & safety and people development.

Rather than simply maintaining day-to-day production, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the manufacturing operation. Working closely alongside the Production Director, you'll identify opportunities to improve processes, develop your leadership team and implement sustainable operational improvements across the business.
This role would suit someone who enjoys leading from the front, challenging the status quo and creating a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.

Package & Benefits

• Salary of £60,000
• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Company Pension
• Life Insurance
• Free on-site parking
• Genuine opportunity to influence and shape the future of the production function
• Career progression within a growing manufacturing business

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the manufacturing operation, ensuring production targets are consistently achieved whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and customer service.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of approximately 50 employees through five Team Leaders, creating a high-performing culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives across the operation to improve productivity, reduce waste and maximise operational efficiency.
• Champion Continuous Improvement projects across production, quality, purchasing, logistics and people development.
• Analyse production KPIs to identify trends, improve performance and deliver measurable operational improvements.
• Lead structured root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Work collaboratively with Purchasing and Supply Chain teams to ensure material availability and optimise production planning.
• Manage labour utilisation, operational costs and production resources to achieve business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality standards across the manufacturing operation.
• Support the development of Team Leaders through coaching, mentoring and succession planning.
• Work closely with the senior leadership team to identify and deliver strategic operational improvements.

About You

We're looking for a hands-on Production Manager who thrives within a manufacturing environment and enjoys making a genuine impact.
You'll be someone who naturally looks beyond today's production plan, continually identifying opportunities to improve processes, develop people and enhance operational performance.
This opportunity is ideal for someone looking to step into a broader leadership position where they can influence the future direction of a manufacturing operation while developing their own career.

Experience We're Looking For

• Proven experience within Production or Manufacturing Management.
• Strong Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement background with a track record of delivering measurable improvements.
• Experience leading medium to large manufacturing teams and developing Team Leaders.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs including productivity, quality, waste reduction and labour efficiency.
• Excellent communication, coaching and leadership skills.
• A proactive, hands-on management style with the ability to positively influence change.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience of structured root cause analysis.

Desirable

• Experience gained within furniture manufacturing, wood-based manufacturing or a similar manufacturing environment.
• Experience of CNC machining, panel processing, assembly or finishing processes.
• Lean Six Sigma qualification or equivalent.
• ERP system experience, ideally SAP.
• Experience working alongside Purchasing, Planning or Supply Chain functions.
• Budget management and cost control experience.

If you're interested in finding out more about this exciting Furniture Production Manager opportunity, please click 'Apply Now'.
Chase & Holland acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. We specialise in finance, supply chain, HR, IT and office support recruitment and comfortably service Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Lincolnshire.