Senior Production Leader

Neatishead, Norfolk, UK on site Until 8/22/2026 First posted February 11, 2026 Last posted February 11, 2026
Job description

Senior Production Leader– Manufacturing

Location: Neatishead, Norwich, Norfolk
Type: 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.

The Role

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.

Key Responsibilities

  • 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.

About You

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.

What’s On Offer

  • £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

About this role

Summary

Lead manufacturing operations, improve efficiency, quality, and team performance in a UK-based factory.

Job title

Senior Production Leader

Experience level

proven experience in a production manufacturing role

Industry

manufacturing

Location requirements

On-site in Neatishead, Norfolk, UK, no remote work allowed.

Salary

£45,000 basic + profit share

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

production managementlean manufacturingKPIsmaintenancestock control

Preferred skills

joineryCNCERPNEBOSHgrowth-phase SME

Specializations

lean manufacturingproduction planningCNCqualitycontinuous improvement
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Neatishead, Norwich NR12 8AD, UK

On-site City