About GEM Cable Solutions
GEM Cable Solutions is a leading UK manufacturer of bespoke cable assemblies, harnesses, looms, control boxes, panels and network solutions. We serve high-reliability, regulated industries including aerospace, defence, marine, robotics, satellite and telecoms.
Operating from a Class 8 clean room and holding AS9100D, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001 accreditations, we pride ourselves on exceptional quality and engineering capability.
The Role
We are seeking a hands-on, resilient and technically strong Production Manager to lead our cable assembly operations.
You’ll be responsible for managing day-to-day production, driving operational excellence, ensuring AS9100 compliance, and implementing Lean and 6S methodologies — while remaining close enough to the tools to step in and support the team when needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day production operations in the Class 8 clean room, ensuring on-time, accurate delivery of customer orders.
- Liaise closely with Engineering to ensure processes, test procedures and documentation are fully AS9100 compliant.
- Engage, coach, motivate and lead the production team, supporting their growth, skills development and career progression.
- Provide hands-on support when required, stepping in to manufacture cable assemblies or resolve issues directly on the line.
- Monitor communication across multiple production lines to eliminate downtime and improve efficiency.
- Establish and maintain production procedures, metrics and processes to drive productivity, quality and optimisation.
- Analyse and identify areas for improvement in cost savings, production lead times and process efficiency.
- Develop and oversee operational procedures for outgoing shipments, handling and product disposition, maintaining the highest standards of quality.
- Maintain and manage the Master Production Schedule, ensuring accurate communication of customer acknowledgement dates to the Administration team.
- Support the MRP system rollout, ensuring all stakeholders are engaged and trained on new processes.
- Implement and sustain Lean methodologies, 5S, 6S and Six Sigma tools to drive continuous improvement.
- Lead and support internal and external quality audits.
- Ensure clean room compliance in all production areas — cleanliness, documentation, training, and regulatory adherence.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical / Electronic Engineering, or strong equivalent hands-on experience.
- Proven experience in cable assembly / wire harness / loom manufacturing, ideally in regulated sectors (aerospace/defence).
- Working knowledge of AS9100 quality management systems.
- Proven ability to lead, coach and train teams, building capability and maintaining high standards.
- Confidence to pick up tools and manufacture assemblies when needed.
- Demonstrated success implementing Lean, 5S/6S, or Six Sigma principles.
- Strong organisational skills with experience managing Master Production Schedules.
- Experience with MRP systems or similar production planning tools.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Resilient and results-driven character, comfortable leading change and challenging the status quo.
Desirable:
- Experience working in a Class 8 clean room.
- Familiarity with IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards.
- Aerospace/defence sector experience.
- Strong understanding of root cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone), value stream mapping, and continuous improvement tools.
Pay: £30,333.51-£57,657.02 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
Work Location: In person
