Production Manager

Axis Electronics Ltd; Bedford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Bedford is looking for a Production Manager to deliver the production schedule through effective planning and team leadership. This role involves driving continuous improvement and ensuring high-quality standards while fostering a positive team culture. The ideal candidate has proven leadership experience and a strong background in lean manufacturing and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong working knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across all levels.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the production schedule through effective planning and leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement and uphold quality standards.
• Support a high-performing, flexible workforce aligned with company goals.

Skills

Leadership experience

Lean manufacturing knowledge

Communication skills

Data interpretation

Quality and safety standards

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

IFS (ERP)

Job description

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Department

Manufacturing

Business unit

Production

Manager

Working time

Full-time

Working arrangements

On-site

Description & Requirements

Reports To: Director of Operations

The Production Manager is responsible for delivering the production schedule through effective planning, team leadership, and cross functional collaboration. Working closely with Planning, Auto Assembly, and other departments, this role ensures efficient workflow, strong communication, and high team performance aligned with Axis’ values, mission, and vision.

This role also plays a key part in driving continuous improvement (CI), innovation, and standardisation across the Finishing Cells, while upholding world-class quality standards and creating a positive, development -focused team culture. If you\'re ready to take the next step in your career and make a real impact, we\'d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

People Management & Development

• Understand individual team member strengths/weaknesses and apply training plans based on PDRs and gap-to-forecast analysis
• Support a high-performing, cross-trained, and flexible workforce that aligns with company goals
• Develop succession plans for leaders and technicians in the cell
• Promote a positive culture, focused on development, accountability, and team engagement.
• Ensure under performance is addresses appropriately using the appropriate tools
• Encourage a culture of open dialogue, positive reinforcement, and challenge

Schedule & Workflow Execution

• Understand, interrogate, interpret, and flex to deliver the production schedule using IFS (ERP) system to meet customer demand
• Liaise closely with Planning and Assembly to ensure business- wide schedule alignment.
• Monitor schedule adherence and ensure proactive escalation for bottlenecks or constraints
• Maintain strong forward planning for short-, mid-, and long-term workload visibility
• Build strong cross-functional relationships to break down business silos
• Ensure clear, effective communication of exceptions, problems, and outcomes across stakeholders
• Promote a mindset of ‘finding ways we CAN’ rather than barriers to progress
• Driving a continuous improvement culture within the business using industry standard tools to maintain world class quality
• Actively contribute to the development of meaningful KPIs that drive the right behaviours and support strategic goals.
• Champion 5S – ensure regular audits and audits scores of 5 across the area.
• Promote safety and report all incidents and near misses promptly.
• Participate in GEMBA walks and drive operational discipline.

Person Specification

• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong working knowledge lean manufacturing and CI frameworks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across all levels.
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to interpret, challenge, and act on information.
• High standards of quality, compliance, and safety.
• Strong cross-functional mindset and ability to drive collaborative problem-solving.
• Competent in planning systems and tools (e.g., IFS or equivalent ERP).

At Axis we expect every employee to commit to our Teamship Rules:

• Caring: for each other, our customers, our suppliers and all other stakeholders
• Hardworking: with diligence, creativity, and by going the extra mile
• Integrity: through honesty with oneself and with others