Job Title: Production Manager
Accountable to: Chief Operations Officer
Base Location: Velocity Composites Plc, Burnley
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and ambitious Production Manager to join Velocity Composites at a pivotal stage in our growth journey.
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this is a high-profile leadership role with responsibility for Production, Health & Safety, operational performance and continuous improvement across our Burnley manufacturing facility. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing a high-performing manufacturing operation capable of supporting both existing and future customer demand.
We are looking for a hands-on leader who is passionate about developing people, driving accountability and creating a culture of operational excellence. This role requires someone who can lead from the shop floor, use data to make informed decisions and deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery and productivity.
A key focus will be building the capability of the existing team through coaching, training and upskilling, whilst embedding robust processes, clear performance measures and a continuous improvement mindset. Experience within composites or aerospace manufacturing would be advantageous, however we welcome applications from proven manufacturing leaders from a wide range of industrial sectors.
This is an excellent opportunity for a driven individual who wants to make a significant impact, influence the future direction of the business and help shape the next phase of growth for Velocity Composites.
Main Responsibilities
Responsible for management of all daily site-based manufacturing operations and development of processes to set appropriate standards for stewardship, safety, quality, and productivity as well as working with the planning team, organising, directing, and running optimum day-to-day manufacturing operations to exceed customer expectations. Contribute to the management of Group wide operational business issues by attending Leadership Meetings as required and to provide input into decision making processes.
Role Purpose
The Production Manager is responsible for the safe, effective and efficient operation of all production activities at the Burnley site.
The role carries overall accountability for the safe delivery of manufacturing operations, encompassing Production, Logistics, Quality, Delivery Performance, Health & Safety, Labour Productivity, Continuous Improvement, and Team Development. The successful candidate will lead from the shop floor, empowering teams to achieve exceptional performance while driving a culture of safety, accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement through data-led decision making.
A key focus of the role will be developing the capability of the existing team, embedding accountability, improving operational discipline and creating a culture where performance is measured, understood and continuously improved.
Experience within composites manufacturing would be advantageous but is not essential. We are seeking a proven data driven manufacturing leader with strong people development skills, commercial awareness and the ability to drive operational performance in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Production Leadership
- Lead all day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure customer requirements are delivered safely, on time, in full and to the required quality standard.
- Maintain a visible leadership presence on the shop floor, promoting high standards of performance, communication and accountability.
- Ensure production activities are aligned with customer demand, production schedules and business priorities.
- Develop and maintain effective daily management routines, including tier meetings, shift handovers, KPI reviews and escalation processes.
- Establish clear ownership, responsibilities and performance expectations across the production team.
- Work closely with Planning, Quality, Engineering, Stores, Supply Chain and Despatch functions to ensure seamless execution of customer requirements.
- Identify and remove operational constraints that impact safety, delivery, quality, productivity or cost.
Health, Safety and Environmental Leadership
- Hold full ownership and accountability for Health & Safety performance across the site.
- Lead by example in promoting a positive safety culture where safe behaviours are non-negotiable.
- Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety legislation, company policies and customer requirements.
- Chair site Health & Safety reviews and ensure all actions are completed in a timely manner.
- Lead investigations into accidents, incidents and near misses, ensuring effective corrective and preventative actions are implemented.
- Ensure all risk assessments, COSHH assessments and safe systems of work remain current and effective.
- Drive continuous improvement in site safety performance and engagement.
- Ensure all employees receive appropriate training and maintain competency for their role.
- Maintain exemplary standards of housekeeping and workplace organisation.
- Support and lead customer, regulatory, H&S and management system audits.
Operational Performance
- Deliver site performance against Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People objectives. Lead S,Q,C,D,P daily standups.
- Monitor and improve labour productivity, efficiency, capacity utilisation and schedule adherence.
- Manage overtime effectively and ensure resources are deployed efficiently.
- Drive improvements in material utilisation, scrap reduction, inventory management and operating costs.
- Develop and implement action plans to address performance shortfalls and capacity constraints.
- Lead structured continuous improvement activities to eliminate waste and improve operational effectiveness.
- Enable the team leaders to perform and deliver.
Data-Driven Leadership
- Champion a data-driven culture where decisions are based on facts, performance metrics and operational insight.
- Own and review production KPIs covering productivity, efficiency, labour utilisation, overtime, scrap, rework, OTIF, quality and safety.
- Use data to identify trends, drive accountability and prioritise improvement activity.
- Support the ongoing development and utilisation of Odoo and other business systems.
- Ensure operational data integrity and reporting accuracy.
- Develop supervisors and team leaders to understand, interpret and act upon performance data.
Team Development and Capability Building
- Lead, coach and develop production supervisors, team leaders and operators.
- Create a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous learning.
- Develop and maintain training and competency matrices across the manufacturing team.
- Identify skills gaps and implement development plans to upskill the workforce.
- Drive workforce flexibility through cross-training and succession planning.
- Build leadership capability within the production team to support future business growth.
- Promote Velocity's Mission, Vision and Core Values across all manufacturing activities.
Quality and Compliance
- Ensure all products are manufactured in accordance with approved processes, customer requirements and company quality standards.
- Work closely with Engineering and Quality teams to improve process capability and product quality.
- Support investigations into non-conformances, customer complaints and corrective actions.
- Ensure production teams consistently follow documented procedures and controlled processes.
- Support the ongoing maintenance of AS9100, ISO 9001 and other applicable management systems.
Financial and Resource Management
- Manage manufacturing costs in line with budgetary requirements.
- Support annual budgeting and operational planning processes.
- Identify opportunities to improve financial performance through productivity improvements, waste reduction and process optimisation.
- Oversee site maintenance activities to ensure equipment, facilities and infrastructure remain safe and operational.
- Support capital investment planning and business case development where appropriate.
Customer and Stakeholder Management
- Build strong working relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Participate in customer reviews, audits and operational meetings when required.
- Support the resolution of quality, delivery and operational issues.
- Collaborate with external partners to improve service levels and operational performance.
- Support regular SIOP’s and customer QBR’s.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
- Proven leadership experience within a manufacturing, production or operations management environment.
- Demonstrable track record of improving safety, quality, delivery and productivity performance.
- Strong experience in leading, coaching and developing teams.
- Evidence of using operational data and KPIs to drive performance improvement and decision-making.
- Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Experience implementing change within a manufacturing environment.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
- Commercial awareness and experience managing operational budgets.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience within aerospace, composites, defence, automotive or other regulated manufacturing sectors.
- Experience using Odoo or similar ERP platforms.
- NEBOSH Certificate or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
- Degree or professional qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or a related discipline.
- Lean Six Sigma qualification or equivalent Continuous Improvement training.
Personal Attributes
- Visible and credible leader.
- Safety-first mindset.
- Data-driven decision maker.
- Highly organised and results focused.
- Strong coach and developer of people.
- Able to hold teams accountable while creating engagement.
- Commercially aware and customer focused.
- Resilient, pragmatic and comfortable operating in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Success Measures
Success in the role will be measured through:
- Health & Safety performance.
- OTIF delivery performance.
- Quality and reduction in non-conformances.
- Labour efficiency and productivity improvements.
- Team capability, engagement and retention.
- Adoption of data-driven operating disciplines.
- Delivery of continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives.
NB. This job description is intended for use as a guide only and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities.Job Title: Production Manager
Pay: £50,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
