Senior Production Leader

Location: Neatishead, Norwich, NorfolkType: Full-time On-site

I am recruiting on behalf of an established UK manufacturing business entering a key phase of growth and operational modernisation. This is a pivotal role for an experienced Production Leader to take ownership of the manufacturing function and drive performance, efficiency and scalability.

Reporting into the Head of Operations, you will act as the link between strategic leadership and shop-floor execution. You'll own end-to-end production across a 17,000 sq ft facility, with a clear mandate to improve output, margins and operational discipline, while supporting the transition to a data-led, high-performance environment.

• Lead all day-to-day production activity, delivering against cost, quality and OTIF targets.
• Own the full manufacturing process from laminate bonding through CNC cutting, assembly and despatch.
• Align production planning with demand, capacity and labour within a single-shift model.
• Track and improve KPIs including productivity, downtime, waste and labour efficiency.
• Champion lean manufacturing and continuous improvement to remove waste and improve flow.
• Lead, coach and develop the production team, building capability and accountability.
• Own maintenance planning, stock control and machinery reliability.
• Ensure high standards of quality, health & safety and compliance.
• Drive cost control and support investment and automation decisions with data.

Essential

• Proven experience in a Production Manufacturing role.
• Strong people leadership and operational delivery track record.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Confident with production planning, KPIs, maintenance and stock control.
• Hands-on, data-driven and commercially minded.

Desirable

• Experience in joinery, panel processing or CNC-led environments.
• IOSH / NEBOSH, ERP or MRP system experience.
• Background in a growth-phase SME.

• £45,000 basic + profit share
• Monday-Friday role (early Friday finish)
• Opportunity to shape and scale a manufacturing function
• Supportive, values-led business with pride in UK manufacturing

IND25