We are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Assistant Production Manager to join our team.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about making a significant impact on production processes and team performance. You’ll be based in our Snodland office working with a dynamic and forward-thinking team. If you’re ready to take on a leadership role with the chance to drive change and efficiency, we’d love to hear from you!

POSITION SUMMARY

In this key role, you will take full responsibility for ensuring the uptime and optimal utilization of our production lines. You will play a vital role in supporting the business with engineering and programming functions to meet machining requirements, while also overseeing the production and efficiency of machines across the business.
As a production leader, you will manage a team of operators, ensuring the smooth flow of products through the machines and driving the overall performance of the production line. This role involves actively supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), as well as leading continuous improvement initiatives and lean practices to enhance productivity and efficiency.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• CNC Programming Experience: Proven experience in CNC programming, preferably with Biesse machines.
• Relevant Experience: At least 5 years of experience in a similar production assistant or planning role.
• ERP/MRP Systems Knowledge: Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems and planning tools, with a preference for experience with M3.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across manufacturing, operations, design, and NPI teams.
• Excel and Reporting Skills: Proficient in Excel and experience with reporting processes.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with others.
• Communication & Organizational Skills: Excellent communication and organizational abilities.
• Computer Proficiency: Comfortable using various computer systems and software.
• Educational Requirements: GCSE standard Math’s and English or equivalent.
• Microsoft Office Knowledge: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Fluent proficiency in spoken and written English.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Understanding and technical ability to read and produce CAD models

• Supplier Interpret customer demand and support the planning of activities to ensure timely delivery of production from the VP factory.
• Assist in the development and installation of CNC programming, including CAD/CNC for machinery within the factory.
• Support the creation and programming of PLC-controlled machines in the production line.
• Contribute to the New Product Introduction (NPI) process, ensuring robust and efficient processes are implemented, aiming for “Right First Time” results.
• Ensure existing manufacturing activities meet drawing and specification requirements for quality and consistency.
• Maintain and support Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards, adapting procedures as necessary for new technology implementation.
• Manage and supervise a team of operators to meet production volumes and demand, ensuring smooth operations on the production line.
• Collaborate across the entire value chain to identify opportunities for improvement, enhancing overall manufacturing capability.
• Work closely with the supply chain to ensure availability of materials and tooling, enabling full utilization of production line capacity.
• Monitor, control, and report daily production performance, ensuring alignment with customer and business requirements, including volume, mix, quantity, and time.
• Conduct studies and make adjustments to the planning system to increase production efficiency and optimize factory output.
• Attend daily production meetings, providing performance reports and communicating priorities and requirements to team leaders and operators.
• Prepare and present reports for senior management meetings, ensuring clear communication of production performance.
• Utilize ERP/MRP tools to plan workloads and monitor operational status, ensuring efficiency across the production process.
• Assist in data collection and reporting on scrap and quality KPIs, driving continuous improvement in product quality.
• Take on additional responsibilities as assigned by the department and production manager to support the evolving needs of the role.