963 Production Manager Manufacturing jobs in the United Kingdom

Elevation Recruitment Group are currently supporting a well-established manufacturing business in Nottingham in their search for a Lean Operations Manager. This is a senior leadership role with clear visibility across the site and reports directly to the Operations Director.

Key responsibilities of the Lean Operations Manager will include:

• Lead lean transformation across the plant, embedding continuous improvement principles into daily operations
• Act as a facilitator of change, championing Kaizen events and engaging both operators and managers
• Manage and develop a small team of three to four, ensuring alignment with global standards while driving local delivery
• Influence and coach operational teams to adopt and embed lean methodologies effectively

We’re looking for strong leaders with the below skills & experience:

• A proven background in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, with hands-on examples of delivering change
• Experience leading transformation projects, ideally within aerospace or automotive manufacturing
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage teams and coordinate cross-functional projects
• The confidence to influence at all levels, from the shopfloor to senior leadership
• Practical experience of project management and budget responsibility
• A proactive, sleeves-rolled-up approach, able to deliver results on the shop floor
• Desirable experience includes lean qualifications such as Green or Black Belt, and familiarity with ERP/MES systems
• Strong analytical mindset and proven examples of interpreting data
• A good knowledge of quality standards, e.g IATF 16949, AS9100, ISO 9001

About Elevation

Elevation Recruitment Group is a specialist recruitment consultancy that helps people build long-term, successful careers. We work across a wide range of industries and disciplines with a focus on making recruitment feel more human, more honest and more effective. We are specialists in every function and experts in every hire. Check out our website to find out more.

Lean Manufacturing Consultant (Permanent, Full-Time)

Location: UK-wide (Client-facing role. UK travel required 4 nights per week)

Reference: 0825

Contact:

Our established Lean consultancy client is committed to helping organisations achieve world-class manufacturing performance through high-impact Lean transformation services. By integrating strategic guidance with hands-on coaching and mentoring, they deliver sustainable, lasting change across complex operations.

Due to continued growth and client demand, our client is seeking to appoint a permanent, full-time Lean Manufacturing Consultant / Senior Operations Leader to lead enterprise-wide Lean transformations, working with high-profile clients in advanced manufacturing sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide Lean operating systems.
• Partner with senior stakeholders (CEO, MD level) to align business strategy with operational execution.
• Deliver coaching, mentoring, and training to embed Lean principles at every level of the organisation.
• Drive cultural and behavioural change to sustain operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Extensive senior operations or plant leadership experience with a proven ability to drive strategic change and bottom-line results.
• Deep expertise in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, ideally within aerospace, automotive, or similar high-complexity industries.
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale Lean transformation programmes and coaching leadership teams.
• Exceptional leadership, influencing, and communication skills with a hands-on, results-driven approach.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected consultancy and make a tangible impact with clients undergoing transformational change. In return, you will receive a competitive salary package, ongoing professional development, and the chance to shape Lean excellence across top-tier industrial operations.

Interested? Send your CV and salary expectations to Lean Executives at: quoting reference 0825 .

This role requires flexibility and mobility to travel across the UK and Europe in line with client and business needs. There is the potential you may be required to work away from home Monday to Friday, which may include frequent overnight stays. Applicants must be fully comfortable with travel as a core part of the role.

• Identify and eliminate waste in manufacturing processes using lean tools and techniques.
• Conduct value stream mapping and implement improvements to optimise workflows.
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects.
• Apply Six Sigma methodologies (DMAIC) to reduce process variation and improve quality.
• Develop and implement standardised work procedures.
• Train and mentor employees on lean manufacturing principles and problem-solving tools.
• Analyze production data to identify areas for improvement and track project results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (production, quality, engineering) to implement changes.
• Develop and maintain performance metrics for manufacturing processes.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a Lean Manufacturing Engineer or in a similar continuous improvement role.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and VSM.
• Demonstrated success in implementing lean projects and achieving measurable results.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualisation tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with remote teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote environment.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is highly desirable.
• Experience in manufacturing process design and optimisation.

• Develop and implement lean manufacturing strategies, including Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen events, and Six Sigma methodologies.
  
• Identify opportunities for waste reduction (Muda) and process improvements across all manufacturing operations.
  
• Lead and facilitate cross-functional teams in improvement projects.
  
• Train and mentor employees at all levels on lean principles and problem-solving techniques.
  
• Develop standard work procedures and ensure adherence to best practices.
  
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production efficiency, quality, and cost.
  
• Conduct process analysis and root cause investigations for production issues.
  
• Support the implementation of new technologies and automation solutions to enhance lean processes.
  
• Benchmark best practices from other industries and apply them to our operations.
  
• Communicate project progress, results, and recommendations to senior management.

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
  
• Proven experience (5+ years) in implementing lean manufacturing principles in a production environment.
  
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (e.g., Green Belt, Black Belt) is highly desirable.
  
• Strong understanding of various lean tools and techniques.
  
• Excellent facilitation, coaching, and project management skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  
• Proficiency in data analysis and presentation.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems is a plus.

Job Title: Contract Lean Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer, Continuous Improvement, Industrial Engineer

6 months rolling

Immediate start available

Real opportunity for a Lean Manufacturing Engineer / Industrial Engineer with a passion for lean / Continuous Improvement to support key projects and support this leading manufacturer with their lean journey.

This will be a hands-on Industrial .

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• Manage and oversee all daily production activities and operations.
• Develop and implement production plans to meet demand and quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage and develop the production team, including supervisors and line operators.
• Monitor production KPIs and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Optimize resource allocation and manage production budgets.
• Collaborate with supply chain and logistics for efficient material flow.
• Maintain quality standards and ensure defect-free production.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Significant experience in production management within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of implementing lean manufacturing or Six Sigma.
• Strong leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality control.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and production planning software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Job Title: Production Manager

Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Job type: Full time, Permanent

Gafoor is a dynamic and rapidly growing family-owned business in Preston. They are a key player in their sector supplying poultry products to leading blue chip manufacturers nationally. This role has been created as a result of significant growth and further expansion plans.

The operation involves the full cycle from live intake through to distribution of finished and packed product from the company's single manufacturing site, employing circa 500 team members.

About the role:

The Company is looking to recruit a Production Manager with a strong background in FMCG food manufacturing, ideally poultry/meat processing. If you have experience and a proven track record of leading a multi-cultural workforce, driving efficiencies and productivity we want to hear from you.

The production manager has overall accountability for the safe performance of the shift and must ensure that appropriately trained personnel are in place to meet customer commitments. This includes continually monitoring production requirements and allocating resources effectively to maintain optimal performance.

Please note that sponsorship is not on offer for this role and therefore candidates must have the legal right to live and work in the UK to be considered.

Key Responsibilities:

• Actively lead and participate in continuous improvement activities across the operation.
• Working with the SHE manager to ensure a safe working environment exists for all employees and that all areas meet the highest standards of Health & Safety.
• Ensure GMP standards across the entire operation are consistently maintained.
• Support and implement change processes in line with business developments and new opportunities.
• Coach and develop the supervisors to deliver exceptional results for the organisation.
• Create and maintain positive employee relations; working closely with the board and HR to realise our aim of becoming the local employer of choice in food production and manufacturing.
• Analyse, evaluate, and manage various plant performance indicators, such as line efficiencies, budget variance and product quality measures.
• Be an active member of the company's leadership team and play a key role in shaping the day to day management and culture of the wider team.

The candidate must have skills and experiences in the following areas:

• Proven leadership skills in a food manufacturing operation.
• Proven track record of achieving results.
• A comprehensive understanding of manufacturing processes, enabling the development of a medium and long term continuous performance improvement strategy, covering all aspects of the operation, delivering profit improvement.
• The skills to act as a mentor in developing potential within the supervisors.
• A commercial outlook with excellent numerical capability
• Proficient in MS Office; preferably with knowledge of CRM systems
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, 'just in time' environment
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a fast-growing, innovative food brand
• Work in a collaborative and values-driven culture
• Opportunities for growth, training, and career development
• Competitive salary

Please click the APPLY button to send your CV in for immediate consideration.

Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of; Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager, Production Supervisor, Food Manufacturing Production Manager, Factory Manager, Production Coordinator, Manufacturing Supervisor, Production Team Lead, Industrial Production Manager, Production Operations Manager may also be considered.