Production & Operations Manager
Production / Operations Manager (Permanent) - Precision Engineering (Aerospace/Defence)
We're recruiting for a senior, hands-on Production/Operations Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing within a growing precision engineering business. This is a high-accountability role in a regulated aerospace/defence environment, where right-first-time delivery, traceability and disciplined quality standards are essential. You'll take ownership of output, OTIF performance and overtime control, while developing and growing a skilled CNC team.
About the role
You'll lead production across a mixed manufacturing portfolio: volume own-product manufacture, high-spec subcontract machining, and structured NPI handover into production. Working closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality and Planning, you'll stabilise operations and support scalable growth.
Key responsibilities
- Lead daily production to deliver stable output and reliable performance
- Own OTIF delivery across all workstreams
- Drive capacity planning with the Planner (labour, machine time, demand)
- Control overtime in line with delivery priorities and margin protection
- Deliver structured NPI handover from Technical into Operations
- Identify constraints, remove bottlenecks and implement corrective actions
- Maintain AS9100 (or equivalent) compliance: traceability, configuration control, FAIR discipline
- Coach, develop and retain the shopfloor team via clear standards, 1:1s and reviews
- 5+ years' production leadership in precision engineering
- Aerospace and/or defence manufacturing background
- Strong working knowledge of AS9100 (or equivalent) quality systems
- Technical credibility in CNC milling/turning and high-spec components
- Confident with ERP/MRP systems and Excel-based reporting
- Evidence of improving productivity and controlling overtime spend
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