We’re looking for an experienced Production Lead to join a growing operations team, leading from the front and driving high standards across mechanical and electrical assembly, test, and quality functions.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll be working closely with your team to deliver quality products on time and to cost, while supporting continuous improvement and operational excellence.
What you’ll be doing as a Production Lead:

- Leading, motivating and developing a team across assembly, test and QC functions.
- Planning workload, identifying resource gaps and ensuring capacity meets demand.
- Driving and monitoring operational KPIs, ensuring targets are met.
- Supporting daily production meetings and reporting accurate manufacturing data.
- Working closely with H&S to maintain a safe working environment and strong safety culture.
- Promoting Lean and 6S principles across the shop floor.
- Collaborating with engineering, project and cross-functional teams to solve operational issues.
- Reducing rework and ensuring products meet required quality standards.
- Acting as a role model, championing continuous improvement and staff development.

What we’re looking for in a Production Lead:

- Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing environment (ideally defence, aerospace or similar).
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to manage performance effectively.
- Good knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office.
- Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma and business improvement methods.
- Solid understanding of health & safety and COSHH practices.
- A proactive, collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-quality production setting.
- Minimum 5 years’ manufacturing experience.

What’s in it for you:

- Workplace pension: 5% employer contributions (Lewis Investments).


- Life insurance: 4× annual salary.


- Holidays: 25 days + bank holidays, extra days for length of service, and a buy/sell holiday option each year.


- Cycle Scheme: salary-sacrifice bike loan over 12 months, up to £3,000.


- Tech Scheme: salary-sacrifice tech/white goods loan over 12 months, up to £1,000.


- Eyecare voucher: free eye-tests plus contribution toward eyewear.


- Recognition & Long Service Awards: cash/holiday/vouchers; service awards from 3, 5, 10, 15 years etc., with extra day’s holiday from 5 years up to a max of 30 days.


- Christmas shutdown.


- Competitive salaries and overtime for roles within threshold.


- Free stuff on site: tea, coffee, other refreshments, fresh fruit, free parking.


- Help@Hand (Unum) from day one for you and dependents: 24/7 helpline & remote GP, mental-health support, physiotherapy, second medical opinions, financial/legal support, wellbeing content, 360 wellbeing score, 1-to-1 lifestyle coaching, savings & discounts.


- Mental health support: trained MH First Aiders, monthly forum, resilience workshops with a qualified psychologist.


- Absence support: comprehensive sickness/absence review policy to support return to work.


- Events & community: regular socials and charity activities (e.g., supporting Bournemouth Above & Beyond Trust).


- Training & career development: apprenticeships, graduate schemes, HNC/HND, degrees, management/leadership/technical training, iHasco e-learning, on-the-job training, coaching/mentoring; skills matrices and a structured 90-day orientation plan.



 Roles are within the defence sector and require standard vetting including a DBS check prior to start.

If you’re a natural leader with a passion for delivering results through people, this is your chance to make a real impact.
Contact Ian at Holt Engineering on 07734 406 996 or ian.broadhurst@holtengineering.co.uk to find out more and apply today.