Job Description

Location:

Kettering, Northamptonshire (Office based)

Type:

6 Month Fixed Term Contract, Full-time, 40 hours per week (8.30am to 5pm)

Salary:

35,000 to 45,000 per annum (DOE) + profit sharing scheme

Reporting to:

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Department:

Production

Start Date:

As soon as possible

Annual Leave:

21 days plus bank holidays (increasing for years of service)

About Us

TownsWeb Archiving is a leading provider of digitisation, metadata, and digital access solutions for heritage and corporate collections. From rare books and fragile photographs to oversized plans and audiovisual content, we help clients preserve and make accessible their valuable archives through innovative digitisation and software platforms.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and people-focused

Production Manager

to oversee the day-to-day operations of our busy digitisation studio. You will lead a growing team of digitisation and quality assurance staff, manage multiple concurrent projects, and be responsible for delivering high standards of performance, efficiency, and output across all production areas.

This role requires a strong leader with hands-on experience managing people, schedules, and workflows, along with the ability to resolve issues quickly and ensure alignment with project deadlines and client expectations.

Key Responsibilities

People Management

Line manage a team of Studio Team Leaders (3), Digitisation Technicians (11), and QA staff (1) Lead regular one-to-ones, team briefings, performance reviews and weekly timesheets Manage staff absence reporting and disciplinary procedures in line with HR policies Foster a positive and supportive studio culture with a focus on collaboration and accountability Identify training needs and support the development of team members.

Studio & Workflow Management

Own and oversee all studio operations and digitisation workflows with the support of our Digitisation and QA Team Leaders Manage daily output and ensure projects stay on schedule and within scope (escalate as required) Implement and maintain consistent standards across all studio stations Monitor KPIs, productivity and quality metrics, and initiate continuous improvement initiatives Ensure the safe, secure, and efficient use of all digitisation equipment and adherence to studio rules.

Project Delivery & Planning

Schedule production work based on project priorities and deadlines Work closely with the COO and other departments to coordinate resources across projects Flag risks or delays proactively and problem-solve with internal stakeholders Oversee quality checks and ensure delivery aligns with client specifications Act as a key point of contact for internal project updates and escalation, and manage partners/outsourcing relationships Structure regular update meetings with clients and account management staff Plan/Carry Out the collection and return of client material.

HR & Compliance

Maintain up-to-date records for staff attendance (Xero), performance, and training Ensure studio HR processes are carried out fairly, consistently, and legally Promote and uphold workplace health and safety procedures Work with the COO and HR team to support recruitment and onboarding.

Required Skills and Experience

Proven experience in a production, studio, or operations management role Strong people management and leadership skills Demonstrable experience in planning, scheduling, and delivering projects Comfortable working in a fast-paced, target-driven environment Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Highly organised, with strong attention to detail Demonstrates strong punctuality, time management skills, is highly organised, with strong attention to detail. Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Suite and project/financial tools (Basecamp, Xero) A background in digitisation, imaging, or heritage sectors is desirable but not essential Driving Licenses (pref. clean).

What We Offer

A 6 month fixed term contract in a growing and respected business Opportunity to shape and lead a talented studio team Meaningful work contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage Supportive leadership team and collaborative company culture Social events & volunteer days On-site working with occasional flexibility when required Salary is dependent on experience.

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and a short covering statement to outlining your suitability for the role and relevant experience. Please include (within the subject line): Production Manager - Digitisation Studio (Office Based, Kettering, Contract)

Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: 35,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Bonus scheme
Benefits:

Company events Company pension On-site parking Referral programme
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Experience:

Project management: 2 years (required) People Management: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Drivers Licenses and Own Car (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Kettering NN16 8XF (required)
Work Location: In person