Job Description

Job Title: Production Manager

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

Communication & Collaboration

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

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

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

Positivity: a can-do attitude

Synergy: a united front as team Axis

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to 55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Cycle to work scheme Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Referral programme Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:

Bedford MK41 7NY: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:

Leadership: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Bedford MK41 7NY (preferred)
Work Location: In person