Production Manager – Timber Manufacturing

About the job

Job Title: Production Manager – Timber Manufacturing
Location: Slaithwaite, Huddersfield (On-Site)
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £45,000 – £55,000 per annum (DOE)

About the Role

We’re recruiting for a hands-on Production Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of a busy manufacturing facility. This is a key leadership role, best suited to someone with experience in timber production or related materials, who enjoys being on the floor, solving problems, and getting the best out of a team.

You’ll take responsibility for a team of over 50 people (via 4 Supervisors), with a focus on delivering production targets, improving processes, and maintaining a strong culture of safety and performance. This is a business where autonomy is encouraged, and where people value straight-talking, accountability, and results.

With a strong Ops Director to report into, clear business goals, and investment in production, this role offers a genuine opportunity to shape team performance and make an operational impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day production operations across a high-output manufacturing site.
• Manage a team of 4 Supervisors and circa 50 production staff.
• Drive safety, quality, and output standards in line with business KPIs.
• Monitor workflow, implement production schedules, and manage line efficiencies.
• Support and mentor frontline leaders to deliver team objectives.
• Work with the senior team to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase performance.
• Maintain accurate reporting and ensure compliance across all H&S protocols.
• Foster a positive, proactive culture on the shop floor.

Candidate Profile

• Proven leadership experience in a production or manufacturing setting.
• Ideally from a timber, packaging, or building materials background.
• Strong people manager with a hands-on approach and natural presence on the floor.
• Able to coach, challenge, and develop shift leaders and wider teams.
• Comfortable working with KPIs, metrics, and performance data.
• Process-minded, safety-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Strong communicator and collaborator.
• Familiar with manufacturing systems or ERP tools (e.g. SAP, FactoryMaster, etc.).

What Our Client Offers

• Competitive salary of £45,000 – £55,000 per annum.
• On-site, Monday to Friday, day shift role.
• Supportive senior leadership and autonomy to lead your team your way.
• Opportunity to shape performance and drive improvement in a well-invested business.
• Stability, clarity of direction, and a down-to-earth working culture.

How to Apply

If you're an experienced production leader with a hands-on mindset and a track record of team management in a busy manufacturing environment, we’d love to hear from you.