Production Manager

Location: Chelmsford

Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Join Our Growing Team

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Production Manager to lead our clients' fibre cabling production operations. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for driving quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced production environment.

As Production Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end manufacturing process of fibre optic cable assemblies and related products, ensuring production targets, quality standards, and customer delivery requirements are consistently achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily production activities within the fibre cabling manufacturing department.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved safely, efficiently, and on time.
• Manage, coach, and develop production teams to maximise performance and engagement.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Monitor key production metrics and implement actions to achieve operational targets.
• Ensure all products meet customer specifications and quality requirements.
• Work closely with Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to optimise production flow.
• Manage labour resources, capacity planning, and shift requirements.
• Implement and maintain Lean Manufacturing and 5S practices throughout the department.
• Reduce waste, rework, and downtime through effective problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations and company procedures.
• Support customer audits and quality improvement initiatives where required.

About You

We are looking for a dynamic leader who can effectively balance people management, operational performance, and customer expectations.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, or Operations Manager role.
• Experience working within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent planning, organisation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience managing KPIs, production targets, and operational performance.
• Good understanding of quality systems and continuous improvement techniques.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage teams at all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience within fibre optics, fibre cabling, telecommunications, electronics, or cable assembly manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• IOSH or NEBOSH Health & Safety qualification.
• Engineering or Manufacturing qualification.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Career development and progression opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Company pension scheme.
• Holiday entitlement.
• Employee benefits package.
• Opportunity to play a key role in a growing and innovative business