Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Production Manager to oversee our heritage lighting manufacturing operations. William Sugg & Co Ltd were founded in 1837 and continue to manufacture heritage copper luminaires in both gas and electric today using the same traditional techinques. Bespoke and Restoration are also key elements of the business that set us apart.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring efficient production processes, maintaining quality standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and a proactive approach to optimise productivity and meet organisational goals.
The Production Manager will play a pivotal role in managing resources, implementing process enhancements, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality regulations. They are responsible for overseeing all manufacturing, restoration, and assembly operations. This role ensures that historically accurate luminaires, lanterns, brackets, columns and associated components are produced to exceptional craftsmanship standards while meeting project deadlines, compliance requirements, and customer specifications.
Reporting to the Managing Director you oversee the Workshop Team and Purchasing Administrator, and work alongside Sales and Design.
Key Responsibilities
1. Production Planning & Workflow Management
- Develop and manage production schedules to meet customer delivery deadlines and company targets.
- Coordinate workflow across metalwork, machining, finishing, wiring, and assembly departments.
- Prioritize restoration and reproduction work based on complexity and heritage requirements.
- Monitor project progress and adjust resources to avoid bottlenecks.
2. Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and supervise craftspersons, machinists, fabricators, finishers, and workshop technicians.
- Provide coaching on traditional manufacturing methods and quality standards.
- Oversee staffing levels, training, and skill development to preserve specialist heritage craftsmanship.
3. Quality Control & Compliance
- Ensure all products meet internal quality criteria and external heritage specifications.
- Oversee inspection of incoming materials such as castings, glass, metalwork, and electrical components.
- Ensure compliance with lighting regulations, wiring standards, and certification requirements.
- Maintain documentation for traceability and heritage authenticity.
4. Technical Support & Problem Solving
- Work with designers and engineers to create and interpret drawings, historical references, and client requirements.
- Resolve production challenges related to custom or restoration work.
- Provide expert input on manufacturability, materials, and construction techniques.
5. Supplier & Materials Management
- Liaise with purchasing on lead times, material requirements, and specialist suppliers (castings, glass, forgings, etc.).
- Identify and manage subcontractors for heritage‑specialist processes (e.g., casting, patination).
- Ensure stock levels support production without excessive inventory.
6. Health, Safety & Workshop Standards
- Oversee company health and safety to maintain a safe working environment compliant with HSE requirements.
- Ensure correct use of machinery, PPE, and safe handling of hazardous materials (paints, chemicals, gases) and update company H&S records.
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives in safety, organization, and process efficiency.
7. Cost & Efficiency Management
- Monitor production costs and labour efficiency.
- Reduce waste and optimise working practices while preserving craftsmanship quality.
- Support costing for quotations by reviewing labour and material requirements.
8. Reporting
- Implement processes across production to provide accurate reporting of Production KPI’s on a daily, weekly and monthly basis or as required by senior management.
- Manage holiday and sickness and maintain accurate records, providing timely reporting to accounts for payroll requirements.
9. Any other Requirements
- Carry out any other reasonable request from senior management.
- Uphold the culture, vision and values of William Sugg & Co Ltd at all times.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience in production management, ideally in lighting, metalwork, heritage manufacturing, or bespoke fabrication.
- Strong understanding of traditional manufacturing techniques (casting, machining, fabrication, finishing).
- Knowledge of electrical wiring standards (e.g., BS 7671) an advantage.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, historical references, and specification documents.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- Strong commitment to craftsmanship, detail, and heritage authenticity.
Personal Attributes
- Passion for historical engineering, period lighting, and heritage buildings.
- Has an attention to detail with an ability to clearly prioritise workflow and task management.
- Takes personal responsibility for production outcomes
- Calm under pressure with strong problem‑solving abilities.
- Hands‑on leadership style with respect for traditional skills.
- Pride in producing work that will be seen in prestigious heritage locations
Pay: £40,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Transport links
Work Location: In person
