Job Description

Cobal has proudly been working with blue-chip companies, global brands, and leading architectural practices across the UK and EMEA for over 40 years to create inspiring and functional spaces that are both stunning and encourage productivity and collaboration. We don't just make signage, we innovate, create and make impactful, functional and visual signage.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead our workshop operations and manage production scheduling at our factory in Newbury.

This is a pivotal role combining hands-on leadership with strategic planning and data-driven decision-making. You will be responsible for coordinating people, materials, and workflow across multiple concurrent bespoke projects - ensuring they are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

You'll analyse production requirements, schedule effectively, and continually develop our production team, our capabilities and capacity.

Key Responsibilities

Plan/schedule and oversee all production activities, balancing resource capability, workload, capacity, and deadlines, meeting job budgets, specifications, and quality standards. Ensure materials, contracted services, and components are available in-line with production plans. Lead, motivate, and develop a team of skilled production staff. Uphold high standards of health, safety, and environmental compliance. Use data and reporting to manage production requirements; identify and address issues, bottlenecks, and drive improvement. Responsible for production area layout, enhancements, maintenance and overall housekeeping. Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance and increase capability, workflow, quality, and profitability. Overall responsibility for production and companywide safety, including reviewing current and ongoing controls and implementing improvements. Working closely with cross functioning teams. Deliver business objectives and initiatives. Evaluate and implement required equipment, software, and/or process improvements. Day to day line manager responsibilities.

Skills & Experience Required

Experience managing a safety-first production environment and culture. Proven experience in production management in signage or similar industry (production, manufacturing, and fabrication) Strong analytical and planning skills with a focus on production scheduling and workflow optimisation. Strong computer skills, including Microsoft suite. Comfortable implementing, working with, and developing job management, scheduling, or ERP systems. Excellent leadership and communication skills, able to respect, motivate and coordinate a diverse skilled and respected team. Solid understanding of relevant materials, and associated handling and processing. Solid understanding of relevant production machinery/equipment, and associated capabilities and limitations. Calm, organised, and solutions-driven, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a can-do attitude.

Qualifications

Proven experience and practical leadership are key. Existing Health & Safety or supervisory certification (e.g. IOSH, first aid) advantageous.

In return, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package

On going career development & training opportunities. Friendly and supportive work environment. Wellbeing initiatives. 24 days annual leave plus public holidays. Hours: 8:30 - 4:45, finishing at 4pm on a Friday. Pension contribution 5% employee contribution and 3% employer contribution. Personal accident cover 1 x annual salary. Free on-site parking.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 40,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Free parking On-site parking Sick pay
Work Location: In person