Location: Barton Hill Way, Torquay, Devon
Salary: £45,000–£50,000 per year, depending on experience
Job type: Full-time, permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week
- Monday to Thursday: 07:30–17:00
- Friday: 07:30–14:00
About the role
Brit Manufacturing Solutions (BMS Products) is looking for an experienced, hands-on Production Manager to help lead our small manufacturing team in Torquay.
This is not an office-only management position. We need someone who wants to be present on the shop floor, helping employees solve manufacturing problems, setting clear priorities and improving how our products are made.
We manufacture a varied range of products using CNC machining, welding, fabrication, mechanical assembly and recycled-plastic manufacturing processes.
You will work closely with the company director and become the main point of contact for day-to-day production, staff and technical questions.
The role would suit an experienced Production Manager, Manufacturing Engineer or Workshop Manager who has a strong practical engineering background and understands how a small manufacturing business operates.
Main responsibilities
- Manage daily and weekly production priorities.
- Allocate work and make sure employees understand what is expected.
- Be a visible and approachable presence on the shop floor.
- Act as the first point of escalation for technical and production questions.
- Help employees diagnose manufacturing problems and find practical solutions.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
- Create and update CAD drawings, work instructions and manufacturing information.
- Improve production methods, tooling, jigs and fixtures.
- Make sure drawings, materials and tooling are available before work begins.
- Monitor quality, productivity, rework and production delays.
- Help maintain realistic production schedules and keep work moving between departments.
- Coach employees and maintain clear standards for workmanship, productivity and conduct.
- Identify training requirements and help develop employees’ skills.
- Introduce practical improvements to workshop organisation and production flow.
- Maintain accurate production, stock and system information.
- Support health and safety standards across the workshop.
- Assist practically with manufacturing when required.
- Support the director with staffing, performance and production decisions.
What we are looking for
- Strong practical experience in engineering or manufacturing.
- Previous experience managing or supervising workshop employees.
- Broad knowledge of machining, welding, fabrication or mechanical assembly.
- Confidence reading and checking engineering drawings.
- Working knowledge of CAD software.
- Good computer skills and experience using production, stock or ERP/MRP systems.
- Strong practical problem-solving ability.
- Experience improving manufacturing processes.
- The confidence to make sensible day-to-day decisions independently.
- A calm, fair and straightforward approach to managing people.
- Good organisation and communication skills.
- Willingness to lead from the shop floor rather than manage entirely from an office.
You do not need to be a specialist in every manufacturing process. However, you must have enough practical knowledge to understand workshop problems, ask the right questions and help the team reach a sensible solution.
Experience with CNC machinery, Mazak equipment, lean manufacturing, BOMs, routings, production planning, jigs and fixtures would be advantageous.
Formal qualifications are welcome, but practical manufacturing knowledge, sound judgement and proven management experience are more important.
What we offer
- Salary of £45,000–£50,000, depending on experience.
- A senior and genuinely hands-on position.
- Monday-to-Friday working with an early finish on Fridays.
- Considerable input into how the workshop and production systems develop.
- Varied manufacturing work across several processes and product ranges.
- The opportunity to make visible improvements within a small UK manufacturing business.
Relocating to South Devon
We welcome applications from experienced candidates who are considering relocating to Torquay or the surrounding South Devon area.
We are happy to discuss reasonable start dates and relocation timescales with the right candidate.
How to apply
Please submit your CV with a short explanation covering:
- Your manufacturing and engineering background.
- The processes and machinery you understand.
- Your CAD and production-system experience.
- The size and type of team you have managed.
- Examples of production or process improvements you have delivered.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to discuss practical workshop scenarios as part of the interview process.
Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
