Smiths Interconnect, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance interconnect solutions. Our products are used in mission-critical applications across industries such as aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and industrial markets. At Smiths Interconnect, we are committed to innovation, quality, and providing cutting-edge solutions that connect the world’s most demanding systems.

Smiths Interconnect is part of Smiths Group. For over 170 years, Smiths has been pioneering progress by engineering for a better future. We serve millions of people every year, to help create a safer, more efficient and productive, and better-connected world across four global markets: energy, security & defense, space & aerospace and general industrial. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs c.16,000 colleagues in over 50 countries.

At Smiths Interconnect, the Production Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating daily manufacturing operations, ensuring that products are produced efficiently, safely, within budget, and in compliance with established quality standards. This role involves planning production according to market demand, managing human and material resources, supervising team performance, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Additionally, the position works closely with other areas such as engineering, quality, logistics, and purchasing to optimize processes, reduce costs, and continuously improve plant productivity.

Proactive resource planning: Anticipate and request the necessary resources (human, material, and equipment) to meet short- and medium-term sales orders.
Implementation of policies and controls: Ensure compliance with sales orders through effective application of operational policies and internal controls.
Work order closure management: Timely closure of work orders, including analysis of labor and material variances, and execution of corrective actions to address negative trends.
Process optimization: Balance production lines and optimize resource use (machines, personnel) to maximize operational efficiency.
Continuous improvement: Identify opportunities for improvement in production processes and lead initiatives to increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve quality.

Directing the development and implementation of activities in production areas to achieve production, quality, and cost goals.
Prioritizing production schedules based on product introduction, equipment efficiency, and material supply. Plans and manages procedures and budgets.
Preparing budget recommendations and, at higher levels, controls capital expenditures and direct/indirect labor costs.
Selecting, developing, and evaluating personnel to ensure efficient functioning of the department.
The manufacturing management in semiconductor production must align with cleanroom manufacturing standards.

• 5 or more years in Operations/Manufacturing
• University degree in Engineering, Production Supervision, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional certification preferred.
• Administers and executes policies, processes, and procedures affecting subordinate employees and workflow.
• Task- or activity-oriented.
• Intermediate or advanced English.

Health, Safety and Environment Requirements

• Must be able to sit for extend periods of time; a minimum of 2 hours.
• Must be able to maneuver to all areas of the office.
• Must be able to lift up and carry up to 10 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, reach, kneel, twist, and grip items while working at assigned desk area.
• Must have the manual dexterity and coordination to operate office equipment
• Must be able to simultaneously manage several objectives and reassign priorities.
• Must be able to tolerate changing priorities, and complete assignments despite frequent interruptions. 
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English. 
• Must be able to respond to visual and aural cues.
• Complete all work in a safe manner and follow all safety requirements consistent with supporting the Company’s goals.
• Lifting guidelines in accordance with the Manual Lifting Guidelines noted in the Safety Handbook.
• Follow all environmental requirements consistent with supporting the company’s environmental performance goals.
• Complete all work safely and follow all safety requirements in support of company objectives.
• Follow manual lifting guidelines as indicated in the Safety Manual.
  Comply with all environmental requirements in support of company environmental performance goals.
• Complete and actively participate in all required EHS (Health, Safety, and Environment) training.
• Work environment: Typically within a Smiths location during normal or extended business hours, including offices, manufacturing plants, and repair facilities. May also include customer sites such as oil wells and meeting locations. Noise level is generally high, and approved PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is required in production areas.

The Production Manager will directly supervise support staff (skilled technicians, administrative personnel) and/or entry-level professionals (accountants, newly graduated engineers), with sssignments that are task- or activity-oriented.

Planning and Decision Making:

• The ability to make effective, timely decisions in a complex global market, by sourcing and analyzing critical information.
• A natural tendency to be adaptable and flexible to align with disciplined strategic evolution.
• Willing and able to identify and support change and continuous improvement in own and wider business environment.
• The ability and motivation to persistently pursue and achieve effective results.
• Coordinates with project team to ensure milestones are achieved and risks are mitigated.
• Relies on extensive experience, analytical capacity, problem solving skills/tools and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

Impact and Scope: 

• Plans and directs all aspects of assigned activities within the Global Operations organization.
• Ensures all operations initiatives, and processes are in conformance with organization's established policies and objectives.
• Contributes to establishment of functional KPIs and goal attainment.
• Ensures compliance with all standards and legislation.
• Collaborates across multiple sites and geographies.  May have reporting relationships in multiple sites.

Key Internal and External Relationships: 

• Peers in SLT, Engineering, Finance, HR, Sales and Quality. Together with relevant key customers/suppliers/distributors.
• The ability to engage, challenge and work effectively with stakeholders from all functions and divisions.
• A strong customer advocate; aggressively market the impact of customer satisfaction on company performance through a team of empowered and motivated team members.
• Be able to lead or contribute to cross-functional teams.
• Interface with customers & conduct customer visits as necessary.