Assistant Production Manager - Melamine Facing

Company Description

Kronospan is seeking an experienced and driven Assistant Production Manager to join our Melamine Facing Department at our Chirk manufacturing site. This is an exciting opportunity for a production professional with a strong background in LEAN manufacturing, continuous improvement, and team leadership to play a key role within a highly automated production environment.

Reporting directly to the Production Manager, you will support the day-to-day management and continuous improvement of the department, working closely with Shift Supervisors and a team of over 30 employees. You will help drive operational excellence, maximise efficiency, and maintain the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance.

Job Description

• Support the Production Manager in the safe and efficient operation of the Melamine Facing Department.
• Lead and promote a culture of continuous improvement through LEAN manufacturing principles, Kaizen activities, and 5S methodologies.
• Work closely with Shift Supervisors to ensure production targets, quality standards, and operational KPIs are consistently achieved.
• Monitor production performance, identify improvement opportunities, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Support workforce planning, resource allocation, and operational decision-making across the department.
• Drive process optimisation initiatives within a highly automated manufacturing environment.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and team members to build capability and engagement.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, quality, and other support functions to minimise downtime and improve productivity.
• Assist in the management of departmental budgets, performance reporting, and continuous improvement projects.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a manufacturing leadership role, ideally within a high-volume automated production environment.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of 5S, Kaizen, LEAN Manufacturing, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting and developing supervisory teams.
• Excellent organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive and hands-on approach to leadership and operational management.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to analyse production data and drive performance improvements.
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Additional Information

• The opportunity to join a global market leader in wood-based panel products.
• A challenging and rewarding leadership role within a technologically advanced manufacturing facility.
• Career development and progression opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A dynamic environment focused on innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

If you are passionate about manufacturing excellence and have the leadership skills to help drive performance in a fast-paced production environment, we would like to hear from you.

For further information, please contact HR@Kronospan.co.uk

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