Production Operations Manager

Defence Manufacturing & Engineering
Cheltenham - Gloucestershire
c. 55,000 p.a. + Extensive Benefits Package

Production Operations leadership in an advanced Defence manufacturing and engineering environment

Overview

An established and highly respected defence manufacturing organisation based in Gloucestershire is seeking a Production Operations Manager to lead and optimise its manufacturing operations. This is a critical leadership role with full responsibility for production performance, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement within a regulated, high-integrity environment.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the business consistently delivers against customer, quality, cost, and delivery objectives while driving operational excellence and team engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and management of production operations across the site
• Deliver production plans to meet customer demand, quality standards, and on-time delivery targets
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, CI, OPEX) to improve efficiency, throughput, and cost control
• Lead, develop, and engage production management and supervisory teams
• Ensure full compliance with health & safety, quality, and regulatory requirements (including defence standards)
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Programme teams to support business objectives
• Monitor and report on key operational KPIs, identifying risks and implementing corrective actions
• Support capacity planning, resource management, and long-term operational strategy

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in a senior production or operations management role within manufacturing
• Background in defence, aerospace, MOD, military or other highly regulated engineering environments preferred
• Strong leadership capability with experience managing multi-disciplinary production teams
• Demonstrable experience in driving continuous improvement and operational change
• Solid understanding of manufacturing KPIs, production planning, and quality systems
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation
• Must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (UK residency required)

This is a genuine opportunity to work within a strategically important defence manufacturing business with real influence on site performance and future growth and comes with long-term career development within a stable and well-invested organisation.

How to apply

To apply in confidence and to initiate an informal discussion, please submit a fully CV online detailing your current remuneration package and availability quoting job reference 10226.

Desired Skills and Experience
Plant, Manufacturing, Engineering, Aerospace, Defence, MOD, Operations, Production, Lean, CI, Improvement