Production Manager

Rochester, Kent | Competitive + Benefits

Manufacturing Leadership | Lean Manufacturing | Continuous Improvement

Are you an experienced Production Manager looking for the opportunity in Rochester, Kent? Where you can lead manufacturing operations, develop high-performing teams, and drive meaningful operational improvements?

We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established manufacturing business seeking a hands-on Production Manager to take ownership of production performance, continuous improvement initiatives, and workforce development. Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will play a key role in improving efficiency, reducing waste, enhancing quality, and ensuring customer delivery expectations are consistently achieved.

This position offers the chance to make a genuine impact within a growing manufacturing environment where your ideas, leadership, and operational expertise will be valued.

The Role

As Production Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the production function, ensuring productivity, quality, safety, and delivery targets are achieved while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

You will lead production teams and cell leaders, implementing practical lean manufacturing principles and driving operational excellence throughout the business.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, motivate and develop production teams to achieve operational objectives.

Implement lean manufacturing initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

Identify and deliver continuous improvement projects across production processes.

Monitor and report on key production, quality and delivery performance metrics.

Drive improvements in productivity, workflow and resource utilisation.

Support workforce development through coaching, training and multi-skilling initiatives.

Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, policies and procedures.

Promote a safe working environment and champion best practice throughout production.

Collaborate with planning, logistics and other departments to optimise production schedules and resource allocation.

Develop a culture of accountability, teamwork and operational excellence.

About You

We are interested in speaking with candidates who can demonstrate:

Experience in a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager or similar leadership position.

A proven track record of improving manufacturing performance and operational efficiency.

Experience implementing lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.

Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and influence teams.

Experience managing KPIs and driving performance against operational targets.

Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Strong communication and organisational skills.

A proactive, hands-on management style with a focus on continuous improvement.

Candidates from engineering, industrial, technical, fabrication, assembly, mechanical, electronics or general manufacturing backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What You’ll Bring

Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:

Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.

High levels of integrity and professionalism.

Commitment to quality and operational excellence.

A positive, solution-focused mindset.

The ability to build strong relationships across department and manage change.

A genuine passion for improving manufacturing performance.

What’s On Offer

Competitive salary package.

Early Friday finish and 35 hours per week

Opportunity to influence business performance and operational strategy.

Stable and growing manufacturing environment.

Direct exposure to senior leadership.

Long-term career development opportunities.

Supportive and collaborative working culture.

Apply For this Production Manager Job

If you are an experienced Production Manager looking for a varied manufacturing role in Rochester, Kent, contact Kevin McHugh at Senex Recruitment on 01424 211872, or apply via the jobs board