Production Manager
Are you an experienced Production Manager with a strong background in manufacturing leadership? Do you thrive in fast-paced engineering environments and have a passion for driving safety, quality, performance, and continuous improvement?
We are looking a Production Manager (Switchgear Manufacturing) in Co. Derry for a full-Time, permanent role.
£60,000 - £65,000 + Benefits,
Due to continued growth, our client, a highly respected and innovative engineering manufacturer serving critical infrastructure sectors, is seeking a Production Manager to lead a large-scale switchgear production operation.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation where you’ll play a key role in shaping production performance, developing frontline leaders, and delivering operational excellence across a growing manufacturing facility.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Operations Director, you will take responsibility for leading day-to-day manufacturing operations within a busy switchgear production environment.
Managing a team of Team Leaders and overseeing a production workforce of approximately 120 employees, you will ensure the safe, efficient, and timely delivery of high-quality products while driving a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach and develop Team Leaders and production personnel to achieve operational targets.
- Drive performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost and productivity metrics.
- Manage production planning, labour allocation, resources and workflow to meet customer and project deadlines.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental and quality standards.
- Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Procurement, Stores, Logistics and Project teams to optimise operational performance.
- Monitor and report on key production KPIs, identifying trends and implementing corrective actions where required.
- Identify and resolve production bottlenecks, capacity constraints, material shortages and quality issues.
- Champion Lean Manufacturing, 5S, continuous improvement initiatives and waste reduction projects.
- Support recruitment, training, succession planning and performance management activities.
- Contribute to operational strategy, budget control and long-term capacity planning initiatives.
Essential Experience
- Proven experience as a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager, or similar senior leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience leading large production teams through Team Leaders, Supervisors or Line Managers.
- Strong knowledge of production planning, capacity management, labour utilisation and manufacturing performance management.
- Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams and develop frontline leaders.
- Strong understanding of health and safety requirements within manufacturing environments.
- Excellent problem-solving, organisational and communication skills.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems and production KPIs to drive decision‑making and performance improvements.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining focus on operational excellence.
Desirable
- Experience within switchgear manufacturing, electrical assemblies, power distribution equipment, control panels, LV/HV systems or related sectors.
- Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations or Business qualification.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S or Continuous Improvement experience.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems and manufacturing compliance requirements.
- Experience supporting operational growth, factory expansion or transformation projects.
What's on Offer?
- Salary of £60,000 - £65,000 DOE
- Senior leadership position with significant operational influence
- Opportunity to lead a large manufacturing team within a growing business
- Friday early finish (12pm)
- Private Medical Insurance (family options available)
- Life Assurance (3x salary)
- Employer Pension Contribution30 Days Annual Leave
- Ongoing Professional Development & Training
- Positive, collaborative workplace culture