We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Production Manager to lead our manufacturing operations team onsite at Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

Successful applicants will have a strong production background, preferably in aerospace, though we welcome talent from the medical and food industries.

A proven track record in continuous improvement and Lean Six Sigma practices is essential to succeed in this role.

Role Overview

As Production Manager, you will be responsible for managing a team to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production aligned with our financial targets. This role requires excellent leadership and communication skills, along with a solid foundation in problem-solving.

You will support the development and execution of production plans, oversee capacity and resource planning, and ensure products are delivered on time, meeting quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the production team to achieve site goals and objectives, focusing on continuous improvement and lean methodologies.
• Drive operational KPIs using visual management, problem-solving tools, and other lean techniques to enhance daily efficiency.
• Cultivate a proactive approach to Health, Safety, and Environmental standards, fostering a world-class manufacturing environment.
• Develop an agile and skilled workforce, maintaining high competency levels and reducing critical skill gaps.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Technology, Sales, and Facilities) to meet or exceed operations targets.
• Ensure the smooth transition of new products from design to manufacturing.
• Resolve production challenges in real-time, implementing corrective actions to drive improvements.
• Support the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process with accurate and actionable data.

Qualifications and Skills

• HND in Management Studies or a related qualification.
• Management experience in a manufacturing environment, with proficiency in SAP, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other business applications.
• Strong communication skills and a commitment to personal and team development.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of lean manufacturing principles.

Desired Abilities

• Effective and results-driven decision-making in complex, global environments.
• Leadership skills to inspire, guide, and support team performance and growth.
• Commercial awareness to align actions with business success.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills across internal and external networks.
• A proactive mindset toward change and continuous improvement initiatives.

About Smiths Detection

Every minute of every day, in nearly every country across the globe, Smiths Detection people and technology make the world a safer place. We safeguard people, business and infrastructure with the latest innovations and screening technology for aviation, ports, borders, defense, and security across 55 countries around the globe

Your Career At Smiths –

• Global leader: We impact critical systems every day with sites in 17 countries and six centers of research excellence. From pioneering to powering life-changing innovation, we’re delivering threat detection and screening solutions to safeguard the world from threat
• Digital growth: A key part of our capability is the integration of digital technology across our business and our operations in more than 55 countries, will be critical to our continued success
• Exciting opportunities: Our growth is creating exciting opportunities to work with experts in physics, chemistry, electronics, mechanics, production, computer science, and AIML
• International environment: With some projects, work requires global collaboration and the potential to travel and grow with the business

Diversity & Inclusion

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity. We have several employee-led Employee Resources Groups (women@work, Black Employees Network, Veterans, Pride Network) providing support, enhancing career development, and contributing to personal development in the work environment and beyond.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (www.smithsdetection.com/careers)or LinkedIn.