Medical Device Precision Engineering (Orthopaedic Instruments & Implants)
We are seeking a hands-on Production Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing operations in a growing, regulated medical device environment. The role is accountable for safe, compliant, and efficient production while embedding operational discipline, developing team capability, and driving continuous improvement.
Operating in a period of transition and growth, this role suits a leader comfortable with ambiguity and building standards where they do not yet exist. The Production Manager will work closely with the OpEx Manager to embed governance, Tier accountability, problem-solving, and visual management, and will play a key role in stabilising operations as the current Production Director transitions into an NPI-focused role.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Capability
- Build a safety-first, quality-focused culture with clear accountability and strong teamwork.
- Lead, coach, and develop Team Leaders and production teams in daily management, problem-solving, and people leadership.
- Set daily and weekly priorities, allocate resources, and support workforce training and development.
- Contribute to S&OP and longer-term capacity, staffing, and investment planning.
Production Operations
- Own daily manufacturing performance, ensuring targets for quality, cost, delivery, and safety are met.
- Ensure compliance with ISO 13485, GMP, and internal QMS requirements.
- Monitor and improve key production KPIs (output, yield, scrap, setup time, labour utilisation).
- Ensure equipment, tooling, and fixtures are maintained, calibrated, and fit for purpose.
Operational Excellence & Improvement
- Co-lead operational governance with OpEx, including Tier meetings, escalation, and action tracking.
- Embed Standard Work and ensure consistent application through Team Leaders.
- Lead continuous improvement using Lean, 5S, Kaizen, SMED, and structured problem-solving.
- Support NCR, CAPA, and deviation investigations with robust, data-driven corrective actions.
Planning & Coordination
- Partner with Planning, Supply Chain, Engineering, NPI, and Quality to ensure effective scheduling, material, and tool availability.
- Input into the S&OP process
- Identify and mitigate risks to output (capacity, materials, equipment, staffing).
- Provide clear, timely reporting on performance, risks, and trends.
Compliance & Audit Readiness
- Ensure production activities are fully documented and audit-ready at all times.
- Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits.
- Approve manufacturing documentation, including batch records, work instructions, and change controls.
Skills & Experience
- 5+ years’ experience in manufacturing or operations leadership, ideally in medical devices, precision engineering, aerospace, food, FMCG or another regulated sector.
- Strong knowledge of ISO 13485, GMP, or regulated manufacturing environments.
- Proven track record in team leadership, operational improvement, and performance management.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, Root Cause Analysis, and CI methodologies.
- Strong planning, organisational, and communication skills.
- Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations degree (or equivalent experience) preferred..
What We Offer
- A high-impact leadership role in a growing medical device business.
- A collaborative, improvement-driven culture.
- The opportunity to contribute directly to the manufacture of life-changing medical devices..
Hours
7am – 3:30pm (2:30pm on Fridays). Occasional evening shift, and weekend overtime cover may be necessary.
Contract
12-month Fixed Term
To apply: Email your CV and three reasons you are interested in working for us to: info@kirkstallprecision.co.uk
