Production Manager

Are you a people-focused leader with a passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement?

We're working with a long-established, highly respected manufacturing business in Cornwall that supplies complex mechanical and electronic systems across the aerospace, defence, automotive, and industrial sectors. Due to continued success and internal progression, they're now seeking a Production Manager to lead day-to-day operations on the shop floor.

The Opportunity
This is a key leadership position overseeing a team of 20 production operators, including three Team Leaders and dedicated production engineering support. You'll play a critical role in shaping the production environment-developing schedules, improving processes, mentoring your team, and ensuring output meets quality, safety, and efficiency targets.

This business has a genuine focus on people and culture, with very low staff turnover and a collaborative, team-oriented environment. You'll have the autonomy to make impactful decisions and the support to implement change.

What You'll Be Doing

Creating and managing production schedules to meet demand and optimise resources
Leading, coaching and developing shop floor staff
Managing inventory, materials, and finished goods with minimal waste
Driving continuous improvement initiatives and lean principles
Upholding and promoting health and safety best practices
Monitoring performance metrics and reporting to senior leadership
Balancing quality, cost, and delivery without compromising standards
What We're Looking For

Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing/production environment
Strong technical understanding of mechanical and/or electrical systems
Excellent communication, coaching, and people management skills
Confidence using data to drive decisions and process improvements
Experience with lean/continuous improvement (formal certification not essential)
Background in complex production environments-such as defence, aerospace, or automotive-advantageous
Bonus Points For

Familiarity with production planning tools or ERP systems
Exposure to mechanical control systems or highly regulated industries
Eligibility for (or existing) SC Security Clearance
This is a rare opportunity to join a stable, innovation-driven organisation where your leadership will directly shape success on the shop floor. If you're looking to make a tangible impact in a people-first business, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation