Assistant Production Manager NEW

Haddenham, Buckinghamshire
Chiltern Recruitment

Our client, a well-established manufacturing business, is seeking an experienced Assistant Production Manager to support daily operations within a bespoke production environment. This hands-on role focuses on overseeing production workflows, maintaining quality standards, supporting production staff, and ensuring orders are completed efficiently and on time.

The successful candidate will assist with production planning, quality control, team supervision, training, health and safety, and continuous improvement across the workshop.

Hours: Monday to Thursday 6.30am – 16.45pm and Friday 6.30am – 12.30pm

Key duties:

• Supporting daily and weekly production planning to ensure customer orders and bespoke specifications are completed on schedule.
• Overseeing production activities to maintain consistent quality standards and efficient workflow management.
• Carrying out in-process and final quality inspections, identifying and resolving issues promptly.
• Monitoring labour, materials, and workspace usage to support operational efficiency and minimise waste.
• Assisting with process improvements while maintaining high standards of workmanship and production quality.
• Maintaining excellent housekeeping standards and ensuring compliance with health and safety procedures.
• Acting as a visible and hands-on presence on the production floor, supporting the wider production team.
• Supervising, motivating, and supporting production staff to encourage teamwork, accountability, and pride in workmanship.
• Assisting with onboarding, training, and ongoing skills development for team members.
• Monitoring attendance, timekeeping, and productivity, addressing concerns in a constructive and professional manner.
• Supporting performance reviews, capability discussions, and day-to-day people management responsibilities.
• Providing full production supervision cover when required.

Key skills and experience:

• Previous supervisory, team leader, or assistant management experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of production workflows within bespoke, craft-based, or quality-focused manufacturing.
• Confident and supportive leadership style with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high product standards.
• Strong communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Good understanding of workplace health and safety requirements.
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to join a well-established and growing manufacturing business.
• Supportive working environment with a strong focus on quality and craftsmanship.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Company pension scheme.
• Holiday entitlement plus bank holidays.
• Long-term career progression opportunities within the business.