Production Manager

PRODUCTION MANAGER – SHEET METAL FABRICATION  Location: [Add Location]  £38,000 – £48,000 (DOE) This isn’t a sit-behind-a-desk production role. This is hands-on leadership in a fast-paced fabrication environment — where you’re running the floor, solving problems, and making sure everything leaves the building on time and done properly. If you’ve come up through sheet metal, understand the pressure of production, and can lead from the front… keep reading  THE ROLE You’ll be taking ownership of day-to-day production across a busy sheet metal fabrication department, leading a team of around 30 on the shopfloor. This is a role for someone who: Spots problems early Keeps production moving  And isn’t afraid to get stuck in when needed ️ WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING Managing all production activity across fabrication Planning and scheduling workloads to hit deadlines Taking full responsibility for materials and stock Identifying bottlenecks and keeping things flowing Overseeing machine uptime and preventative maintenance Coordinating subcontractors (finishing, external processes) Driving continuous improvement (Lean, 5S, Kaizen) Using ERP systems to track performance and improve output Ensuring H&S and quality standards are met Leading, motivating, and developing your team Working with senior management on capacity, investment & automation In short — you’re the one making sure everything runs like it should.  WHAT YOU’LL NEED  Solid background in sheet metal fabrication Experience managing teams (20–40 people)  Strong understanding of: Press brakes Lasers Punches Welding processes✔ Proven experience in production planning & hitting deadlines ✔ Comfortable using ERP systems ✔ Strong problem-solving mindset (not just spotting issues — fixing them) ✔ Knowledge of ISO 9001 / quality standards  This is for someone who knows the floor, not just the theory.  WHAT WILL MAKE YOU STAND OUT Experience driving continuous improvement projects Exposure to automation or modern manufacturing systems Strong commercial awareness (balancing output, cost & quality) A leadership style that gets the best out of people WHY THIS ROLE? Real influence over how production is run Opportunity to shape processes and make improvements Supportive leadership team that actually listens A business that’s growing and investing WHAT’S ON OFFER £38,000 – £48,000 salary (DOE) Company pension On-site parking Performance-related incentives Forward Assist Recruitment is operating as an employment agency. Forward Assist Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities employer; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds