Production Manager

With over 100 years of engineering excellence, Ridgway Machines is a world-leading manufacturer of precision taping and winding machines for the electrical, energy, and oil & gas industries. Recently acquired by Tokamak Energy to accelerate superconducting technology, we're involved in some of the world's most exciting engineering projects—including ITER's Fusion Power Plant and CERN's Large Hadron Collider.

From innovative designs to global customer support, we deliver expert solutions for clients worldwide. Based at Meridian Business Park in Leicester, we're a skilled team of specialist engineers working at the cutting edge of power generation machinery.

We are looking for a driven and experienced Production Manager to lead our production operations and play a key role in delivering high-quality engineering projects. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organisation where you can make a real impact, leading teams, driving efficiency, and ensuring operational excellence.

As Production Manager, you will take full ownership of production activities, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading production planning, assembly, testing, commissioning, and installation
• Developing and maintaining effective production plans aligned with project timelines
• Ensuring on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery
• Managing labour, resources, and workforce planning
• Driving efficient factory operations and layout optimisation
• Maintaining compliance with quality standards, ISO requirements, and customer expectations
• Upholding health & safety standards and mitigating risks
• Managing budgets, costs, and labour tracking
• Building strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders
• Recruiting, leading, and developing a high-performing team
• Monitoring KPIs and driving continuous improvement initiatives

Requirements

We’re seeking a strong leader with a background in engineering production management who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Essential:

• Proven experience in production management within an engineering environment
• Excellent planning, organisation, and leadership skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Confident communicator with the ability to engage at all levels
• Strong IT skills, including MS Office
• Full UK driving licence
• Leadership & team development
• Planning & organisation
• Commercial awareness
• Problem-solving mindset
• Strong communication skills
• Adaptability & resilience

 Desirable:

• Experience with special purpose machinery
• Knowledge of ISO standards and Health & Safety regulations
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems
• Experience in budget and cost control
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Benefits

• Salary range £48,000 to £60,000 dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset
• 37.5 hour working week, Friday finish at 1.30pm for production teams
• Free parking
• 25 days paid annual leave (includes 3 days for Christmas shut down) plus 8 days paid public holidays
• Company Bonus scheme
• Stakeholder Pension
• Family friendly policies
• Training and Personal Development
• Some onward International Travel Opportunities
• Complementary corporate work wear
• Relocation Assistance

Important information for candidates

Pre-employment screening

Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references.

Data privacy

Please note that any personal data submitted to Ridgway Machines as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation, for more information regarding GDPR please see:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation

Equality of opportunity

Entry into employment with Ridgway Machines and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We’re committed to building an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience.

If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know. We’re happy to make the necessary arrangements to ensure you can perform at your best.