Production Manager

Andover Source: WhatJobs

£45,000–£60,000

We are looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead our manufacturing operations at our advanced facility in Andover.

You will be responsible for production scheduling, team coordination, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and to specification.

This role is central to maintaining our reputation for excellence and meeting the demanding requirements of our aerospace and defence customers.

You will manage daily operations across our sophisticated automated manufacturing environment, including our Fastems Flexible Manufacturing Systems and fleet of 5-axis machining centres.

£45,000 – £60,000 per annum (depending on experience)

About Us

R E Thompson is a leading precision aerospace engineering company with over 75 years of experience providing complete manufacturing solutions.

Operating from our advanced facilities in Hampshire, we are home to the UK’s most sophisticated automated 5-axis machine shop. Our state-of-the-art Flexible Manufacturing System enables 24/7 lights-out production, and we hold AS9100, ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 certifications.

We work with prestigious clients including GE Aviation, BAE Systems, and Ontic, delivering complex precision components for the aerospace, defence, automotive, and electronics industries.

Lead production scheduling and coordinate teams to deliver projects safely, on time, and to specification
Manage daily operations and drive results across the manufacturing floor
Oversee capacity planning and resource allocation to maximise efficiency
Ensure compliance with quality standards (AS9100) and health & safety regulations
Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) including OTD, quality, and productivity
Lead, motivate, and develop production teams
Collaborate with engineering, quality, and planning teams to resolve issues
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing practices
Manage relationships with internal stakeholders and support customer requirements
Report on production performance to senior management

Experience & Qualifications

Proven experience as a Production Manager or similar leadership role in manufacturing
Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, and capacity management
Experience managing teams in a precision engineering or aerospace environment
Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work under pressure and meet demanding deadlines
Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
Proficient with ERP systems and Microsoft Office
Experience with automated manufacturing systems (FMS, pallet systems)
Knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace industry requirements
IOSH or NEBOSH qualification
Experience with Epicor or similar ERP systems