Workshop Production Manager

Role : Workshop Production Manager Location : North Kildare Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, schedule and manage production activities from approved drawings and customer requirements through to manufacture and final dispatch.
• Develop daily and weekly production plans, ensuring labour, machinery, materials and tooling are effectively allocated to maximise productivity.
• Coordinate workflow across all manufacturing processes, including CNC profile cutting, pressing and bending, welding, fabrication, powder coating and finishing.
• Monitor production progress throughout each shift, proactively identifying bottlenecks, capacity constraints and delays, and implementing practical solutions.
• Lead, mentor and develop workshop personnel, promoting high standards of performance, quality, attendance, teamwork and accountability.
• Ensure all employees are appropriately trained, competent and authorised to operate assigned equipment, maintaining accurate training and competency records.
• Champion a strong health and safety culture by ensuring compliance with company procedures, risk assessments, safe systems of work, machine safety requirements, PPE and housekeeping standards.
• Ensure all products are manufactured in accordance with approved drawings, technical specifications, quality standards, dimensional tolerances and applicable CE certification requirements.
• Oversee in-process and final quality inspections, ensuring traceability, prompt resolution of non-conformances and effective management of defects and rework.
• Work collaboratively with Design, Commercial, Procurement, Logistics and Project teams to coordinate technical requirements, material availability, production priorities and delivery schedules.
• Manage the efficient use of materials and consumables, reducing waste and supporting accurate stock control and material traceability.
• Coordinate planned preventative maintenance and reactive repairs for production equipment, tooling and extraction systems to minimise downtime and maintain safe operation.
• Monitor and report on key production performance indicators, including output, labour utilisation, quality, on-time delivery, downtime, scrap, rework and overtime.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance workshop layout, production processes, equipment utilisation and operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate production, quality, maintenance and personnel records, providing regular updates and performance reports to the General Manager.
• Maintain a visible presence on the workshop floor, providing technical guidance and hands on support where required to ensure safe, efficient and effective production.

Requirements:

• Trade qualified Fabricator or an experienced fabrication professional with a minimum of five years' experience in light gauge sheet metal fabrication.
• At least two years' experience in a supervisory or management role within a fabrication workshop or similar manufacturing environment.
• Strong practical experience in MIG and TIG welding of aluminium, stainless steel and mild steel.
• Hands on experience operating and supervising CNC manufacturing equipment, including plasma cutting machines, press brakes and long length bending equipment.
• Excellent ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, fabrication details, dimensions and tolerances.
• Proficient in CAD software, preferably AutoCAD, with the ability to review and interpret production drawings.
• Demonstrated experience in production planning, scheduling, resource allocation and quality management within a fabrication environment.
• Strong understanding of workshop health and safety legislation, machine safety and safe working practices.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams, set clear expectations and foster a positive, accountable working culture.
• Strong problem solving ability with a practical, solutions focused approach and the flexibility to respond to changing production priorities.
• Excellent communication, planning and organisational skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across operational, technical and commercial teams.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and production management systems, with experience maintaining accurate production records and performance data.