Production/Manufacturing Manager Recruitment – Industry Experts
TL;DR: Since 2005, Sigma Recruitment has excelled in placing high-calibre Production and Manufacturing Managers within top industrial firms. This guide offers HR professionals, talent managers, and directors essential advice for recruiting these operational leaders. We cover best practices for advertising and interviewing, highlight common recruitment challenges, and show how a specialist agency like ours can help you secure top talent swiftly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are a Production Manager’s primary duties? A Production Manager (often synonymous with Manufacturing Manager) is the operational heartbeat of a factory. Their primary duty is to oversee the manufacturing process to ensure goods are produced safely, cost-effectively, and on time. They bridge the gap between strategic business goals and the shop floor, managing human and material resources while ensuring compliance with strict quality and safety standards.
What are the main responsibilities of a Manufacturing Manager? Core responsibilities involve planning and organising production schedules, assessing project and resource requirements, and managing budgets. They are responsible for ensuring that health and safety regulations are met, overseeing quality control, and supervising the work of junior staff. A critical part of their role is driving Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives—implementing Lean or Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste and boost efficiency.
What qualifications are essential for a Production Manager? While many successful managers rise through the ranks from shop-floor apprenticeships, many modern roles require a degree in fields such as Business Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or Supply Chain Management. Professional certifications are highly valued, particularly Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), NEBOSH/IOSH for health and safety, and leadership qualifications from bodies like the ILM or CMI.
What skills distinguish a top-tier Production Manager? An outstanding Production Manager combines technical manufacturing knowledge with exceptional people skills. They must be decisive problem-solvers who can remain calm under pressure during equipment breakdowns or supply chain delays. Key skills include proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (like SAP or Sage), strong data analysis capabilities for tracking KPIs (OEE, OTIF), and the ability to negotiate effectively with unions, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
How can we write a compelling job advert for a Production Manager? To attract top talent, move beyond a dry list of duties. Highlight the scale of your operation (e.g., “manage a £20m turnover plant”) and the specific technologies they will work with (e.g., “automated robotics lines” or “CNC machining”). Clearly state the salary bracket and shift patterns if applicable. Adopt a direct tone that speaks to their ability to impact the bottom line and conclude with a clear call to action.
What is the typical salary for a Production Manager in the UK? Salaries vary significantly by industry and location.
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Junior / Smaller SME Role: £35,000 – £45,000
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Mid-Level / Experienced: £50,000 – £65,000
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Senior / Site Lead: £70,000 – £85,000+ Specialised sectors like Aerospace, Pharmaceutical, and Chemical manufacturing often command higher premiums compared to general fabrication or FMCG.
What career development opportunities do Manufacturing Managers look for? Ambitious candidates look for clear routes to senior leadership, such as Operations Director, General Manager, or Plant Manager roles. They are attracted to companies that offer investment in their professional growth, such as funding for MBA study or advanced Lean Six Sigma training.
What makes an effective interview process for a Production Manager? A robust process should assess both operational competence and leadership style. Start with a screening call, followed by a face-to-face interview that includes scenario-based questions (e.g., “How would you handle a sudden 20% increase in orders with no extra headcount?”). A site tour is essential—it allows you to see how they interact with the shop floor environment and identify hazards or improvements on the fly.
What are the best strategies for attracting Production Managers? Recruiting top operational leaders requires a strong employer brand. Showcase your commitment to safety and modern manufacturing techniques (Industry 4.0). Offer a competitive package that includes performance bonuses and private healthcare. Ultimately, demonstrating a culture of autonomy where they can truly “own” the production line is a major draw.
Which sectors do you recruit Production Managers for? We recruit Production Managers for a diverse range of industries including Automotive, Aerospace, FMCG (Food & Drink), Medical Devices, Plastics & Packaging, Precision Engineering, Electronics, and Chemical Processing.
Which locations do you cover for Production Manager recruitment? We source candidates for positions across the UK. Our main hubs include Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, and South Wales; Bristol and the South West; Birmingham and the Midlands; Manchester and the North West; as well as London and the South East.
Why use a specialist recruitment agency to hire a Manufacturing Manager? Finding a leader with the right blend of technical expertise and management skill is a significant challenge. Many of the best candidates are passive—they are currently employed and performing well, not browsing job boards. As a specialist agency, we have the network to approach these individuals directly, saving you time and minimising the risk of a bad hire.
Example Production Manager Profiles
71211 – Production Manager – £50K+ Manufacturing professional with circa 30 years of experience, primarily in FMCG environments with metal-based products and warehousing/distribution setups. Possesses a wide breadth of experience, having started in engineering before moving into supervisory and management roles covering maintenance, production, transport, logistics, and warehouse areas. Has managed teams ranging from 40 up to 120 staff. Originally time-served and qualified to HND level in Engineering, also holding IOSH and ILM Level 3 qualifications. Achievements include managing a stock accuracy system to zero lost materials twice and creating a FIFO system for export materials, which saved £140,000.
35921 – Production Manager – £50K+ An experienced manufacturing professional with circa 30 years of leadership experience split across sectors like Automotive, Electronics, FMCG, and Glass. Capable of managing varying team sizes from 17 up to 100. Has a track record for improving staff performance through KPIs, performance meetings, and training plans. Possesses a good technical background from working in different technical environments and completing a general engineering apprenticeship before starting in manufacturing. Completed additional leadership and management training and is qualified up to NVQ Level 3.
Why Use Sigma As Your Production Manager Recruitment Agency?
Sigma Recruitment has extensive experience recruiting for production and manufacturing management positions across the UK. Our dedicated team understands the unique pressures of the shop floor—from supply chain bottlenecks to union negotiations. We use a structured process to present you with pre-qualified candidates who can make an immediate impact on your operations and projects.
We provide FREE SEO optimised job advertising on most of the UK’s major national job boards, including Totaljobs, Jobsite, CV-Library, Reed, Indeed, LinkedIn, and Adzuna.
Ready to hire candidates who can drive your production forward?
As a specialist recruitment agency, we’ll deliver a shortlist of qualified, vetted candidates within days, saving you time and reducing risk.
Call Rhys Williams today on 02920 100 790, email rhys@sigmarecruitment.co.uk, or book a call below.
