Production Manager (12-month FTC)

Our client, a leading manufacturer of high-reliability electronic and electro-mechanical systems, is looking for a Production Manager (12-month FTC) to join their team in Bedford on a 1 year fixed-term contract to provide maternity cover.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established engineering and manufacturing business, supporting the day-to-day running of production operations while ensuring customer delivery requirements, quality standards and operational objectives are achieved.

Key responsibilities of the Production Manager (12-month FTC) job in Bedford:

• Oversee daily production activities and ensure operational targets are achieved.
• Manage production schedules, resources and capacity planning.
• Lead and develop production teams, including training and performance management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure compliance with quality, health & safety and company procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering, supply chain and sales teams to support on-time delivery.
• Monitor KPIs, prepare management reports and support budgeting and forecasting activities.

Experience required for the Production Manager (12-month FTC) job in Bedford:

• Proven experience within an electronics manufacturing or electro-mechanical assembly environment.
• Previous production management, manufacturing leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning and capacity management.
• Experience using MRP/ERP systems.
• Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Experience managing and developing teams.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Desirable experience for the Production Manager (12-month FTC) job in Bedford:

• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, 5S or Kaizen methodologies.
• Knowledge of budgeting, cost control and operational reporting.
• Experience working within a regulated or high-specification manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing the production of complex electronic or electro-mechanical products.