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Job Title


Production Manager


Company : Cook Compression


Location : basildon, east anglia


Created : 2025-07-23


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

This is an opportunity for an aspiring manager from a precision engineering background to take responsibility for leading all machine shop operations at the main European manufacturing site for Cook Compression at Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. This is an 8,000m2 state-of-the-art facility, featuring a suite of cnc machining centres, up to 9-axis and with full automation, where we are performing the full end-to-end manufacturing process for a wide range of engineered and made to order reciprocating compressor components such as valves, pistons, rings, rods and packing cases.The role will include capacity planning, labour and resource allocation, workforce cross-training and development and managing a wide range of strategic and continuous improvement projects, whilst building a culture of trust-based communication.With a focus on safety, quality, delivery, cost and people development, the Production Manager will report to the Plant Manager and take the lead in driving efficiency improvements through the achievement of KPI’s, Operational Excellence and team growth, whilst significantly contributing to the wider overall business goals.WHAT YOU WILL BRING:Mechanical Engineering qualifications, such as an apprenticeship or NVQ level 3+, or HNC, or Bachelor’s degreeOver 3 years of experience in managing or supervising in a CNC manufacturing operationExperienced in a mechanical, engineered product environment, manufacturing products such as compressors, turbines, pumps, generators, motors, gearboxes or components thereof.A strong understanding of capacity planning and lean manufacturing principlesExperience of leading change through others using Continuous Improvement techniques and methodologies, backed up with tangible examplesExcellent leadership and people management skills with a focus on team developmentFamiliarity with safety regulations, IOSH Managing safely and experience with raising 5S/housekeeping standardsStrong relationship building and communication skills, with the ability to present to and interface with customers continuallyFamiliarity with 3D CAD 'strong general IT skillsA thorough understanding of engineering principles and design practicesAbility to analyse data, using statistical process control, and drive data-based decision-makingStrong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlinesProficiency with ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel, Outlook, Teams and Projects), and other relevant digital tools – using Excel to create filterable SPC charts, trendlines, pivot tables, formulas, etc.WHAT YOU WILL DO:Safety & Compliance Responsible for the safety and wellbeing of all shop floor operators by proactively working with the Senior HSE Advisor to produce and implement health and safety plansEnsure a safe working environment by enforcing safety standards and ensuring compliance with UK and DPC health and safety regulationsActively promoting a culture of safety-first within all areas of the plant, with consistent and visible leadership, promoting DPC's HSE Strategy and implementing initiatives to improve KPI'sCreating and maintaining risk assessments, method statements and standard operating procedures for all manufacturing and assembly related processesCapacity Planning & Resource Management Plans and organises all functional activities in relation to headcount, machine output, manufacturing operations, priorities and sequences to meet current and future customer demandsEffectively collaborates with the Production Planner to achieve monthly revenue targets by ensuring accurate capacity planning, based on sales demands, capacity plan and available labour resourcesDevises and monitors the completion of training plans for shopfloor operators, updating the skills matrix as appropriate and signing off as competent with knowledge sharing recordsLeads in analysing bottlenecks and areas of downtime and resolves complex issues which may adversely impact customer satisfaction.Team Leadership & Performance Management Leads the shopfloor operators in accordance with organisational policies and applicate laws which includes, but is not limited to policies involving human resources, safety, personal conduct, practices involving quality and the control of purchased and manufactured parts.Responsible for workforce planning activities which may include interviewing, hiring and inducting new employees, planning and overseeing daily work, reviewing headcount and capacity requirements to meet organisational requirements whist protecting the liquidity of the business and forecast plans for growthBuilds a high-performance culture with a strong efficient and well-trained team thought effective performance reviews, coaching, constructive feedback, goal setting and by identifying people development opportunities for succession planningManagement of shopfloor operators holiday schedules and time off requests whilst ensuring there is always sufficient coverage to meet production and on time delivery targets, so orders are not impacted due to lack of skills during any periods of absenceProduction & Operational Excellence Achieve >95% On-Time Delivery (OTD) by closely monitoring production flow, labour resources, skillset requirements and by eliminating bottlenecksEnsure all products are manufactured to the highest quality standards, with a focus on "right first time", and within monthly quality targets (COGS limit) Effectively track monthly revenue in order to achieve financial targets ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and growthFull accountability for accurate inventory of WIP parts, controlling material through e manufacturing processes once issued to the order, ensuring excess material wastage and ensuring that the scrap/material issuing process and accurate recording of waste is followed should replacement material be neededSetting and overseeing monthly overtime budgets, presenting plans of the level of to increase revenue through additional hours worked, managing out of hours working, including contact with 3rd party security company as requiredContinuous Improvement Drive machine uptime, utilisation, and efficiency improvements by analysing production data and implementing strategic changesRegularly assess production throughput performance through KPIs and other relevant metrics, ensuring consistent month-on-month improvementFoster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging team members to identify and implement process improvementsRaise Corrective Action Reports (CAR's) against defects/process issues from suppliers (internal or external)ABOUT THE COMPANY:Cook Compression, with over 100 years of history in the Energy Resources industry, have pioneered technology developments and are renowned for the quality and reliability of their products. Part of Dover Precision Components, who are in turn owned by Dover Corporation, a diversified global manufacturer with annual revenue of over $8.5 billion. Delivering innovative equipment and components, specialty systems, consumable supplies, software and digital solutions, and support services, our team of 25,000 employees are dedicated to redefining what is possible to better serve our customers. Dover Corporation is headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois. WE DELIVER CUSTOMER SUCCESS​Dover Precision Components delivers products and services that enhance performance, improve safety, reduce carbon emissions, and accelerate clean energy adoption, through collaborative customer relationships, expert engineering, and an innovative culture. Our strong Company portfolio is comprised of long-established products and services offered under Cook Compression, Cook Mechanical Field Services, Waukesha Bearings, Waukesha Magnetic Bearings, Inpro/Seal, Bearings Plus, and FW Murphy Production Controls. Our global footprint reaches more than twelve locations in the Americas and more than six locations in Europe and China.BUILDING POTENTIAL, SUSTAINING PERFORMANCE, BOOSTING FUTURESWe are diligent in recognizing our employees’ needs and providing an enriching experience through professional developmental opportunities. Our authentic, collaborative company culture, combined with a competitive suite of health and welfare offerings, emulates who we are. We are Dover Precision Components, #LifeAtDPC #SWEWe consider several job-related, non-discriminatory factors when determining the pay rate for a position, including, but not limited to, the position’s responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, a candidate’s education/training, the position’s location, and the key skills needed for the position. Pay is one of the Total Rewards that we provide to compensate and recognize employees for their work.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact hr@ for assistance with an accommodation. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response.