Production Manager

Work Times: 8am to 4pm (Monday to Friday). A degree of flexibility will be needed at peak periods.

Job Overview

In this role, you will oversee and optimise the production processes, ensuring the efficient and safe production of high-quality carbon composite material. You will be responsible for managing the production team, ensuring adherence to tight quality standards, driving continuous improvements, and maintaining health and safety compliance in a highly specialised environment. 

Key Responsibilities

Production Management: 

• Oversee the manufacturing process of carbon composite materials, including prepreg, resin mixing, and general administration. 

• Ensure that production schedules are adhered to, meeting delivery targets while maintaining high standards of quality. 

• Identify production bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve flow, reduce downtime, and enhance operational efficiency. 

• Monitor production processes to ensure optimal use of materials, minimising waste and maximising yield, in line with sustainability goals. 

Team Leadership: 

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of operators, technicians, and engineers, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills to work with advanced carbon composite materials and technology. 

• Provide ongoing training and professional development to staff, particularly in relation to new manufacturing techniques, safety standards, and carbon composite processes. 

• Foster a positive and collaborative working environment, ensuring staff engagement and alignment with company objectives. 

Quality Control: 

• Ensure all products meet stringent industry standards, including aerospace, automotive, or other specialised sectors. 

• Manage the implementation of quality control processes, testing, and inspection protocols for raw materials, intermediate products, and finished composite components. 

• Conduct root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions for any quality-related issues. 

Resource Management: 

• Oversee the procurement, inventory management, and efficient use of carbon fibre, resins, and other specialised materials. 

• Ensure the optimal utilisation of equipment and facilities for processes such as lay-up, autoclaving, and infusion. 

• Collaborate with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure timely availability of materials to meet production demands. 

Health, Safety & Compliance: 

• Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety regulations, particularly those relating to the handling of hazardous materials like resins and fibres. 

• Conduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, and ensure that safe working practices are implemented and maintained across the production team. 

• Adhere to industry-specific standards and environmental regulations related to carbon composite production, including waste management and energy efficiency. 

Continuous Improvement: 

• Lead initiatives to drive efficiency improvements across the production process, implementing Lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies where appropriate. 

• Identify and implement new technologies and techniques that improve product quality, reduce production time, or lower operational costs. 

• Work with R&D teams to support the integration of new materials or manufacturing processes into production. 

Reporting & Analysis: 

• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production output, material waste, cycle times, and product quality. 

• Provide regular reports on production performance, including any challenges, deviations, or areas for improvement, to senior management. 

• Use data to analyse trends and forecast production capacity, material needs, and resource requirements. 

Collaboration: 

• Work closely with engineering, design, and quality assurance teams to ensure smooth transitions from design to production, particularly in relation to custom composite products. 

• Communicate effectively with senior management regarding any operational challenges or successes, ensuring alignment with broader business goals. 

Qualifications: 

Education: 

• A degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, or a related field is highly preferred. 

• Qualifications in carbon composites, aerospace manufacturing, or a similar industry are advantageous. 

Experience: 

• Significant experience (minimum 5 years) in a production role, and the same in management or leadership position. 

Skills: 

• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to manage, coach, and develop a team in a high-performance environment. 

• Excellent knowledge of Lean manufacturing,  or other process improvement techniques. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Familiarity with ERP systems, and the ability to work with software tools to manage production scheduling and reporting. 

• Knowledge of relevant safety, environmental, and quality standards within a manufacturing industry (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100 for aerospace). 

Physical Demands: 

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, which may involve standing, walking, and handling materials as required. 

• Willingness to work with chemicals, resins, and composite materials in a controlled, safety-conscious environment. 

Benefits: 

• Competitive salary

• 25 days holiday plus 8 days public holidays. 

• Pension scheme. 

• Private healthcare benefits. 

• Opportunities for career progression within a growing and innovative industry. 

• Training and professional development

Our employees are very important to us and job satisfaction is of paramount importance.

This is a full-time position based in Sleaford.