Production Manager

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

This position reports to:

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Your role and responsibilities
In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead a fast‑paced, highly technical manufacturing organization, ensuring efficient and cost‑effective production results. Each day, you will be responsible for meeting order demand, specifications, quality, and planning targets through the coordination and management of plant equipment, personnel, and production processes (quantity, quality, budgeted costs, and optimal productivity levels).

You will also showcase your expertise by developing programs, projects, goals, and metrics that drive the organization to the highest level of operational performance. A key part of your mission will be to guide the production organization through a strategic transformation by bringing modern manufacturing practices, culture, and ways of working.

The work model for the role is: onsite (#LI-onsite)
You will be mainly accountable for:

• Preparing the annual production budget, overseeing performance, and taking action on cost deviations to operate within targets and available resources.
• Developing and executing plans to reduce non‑value‑added costs, increase revenues, and delight customers through on‑time delivery, high factory and supplier yields, and reduced field failure rates.
• Leading cultural and operational change initiatives—modernizing production processes, mindsets, and behaviors with a strategic, future‑focused approach.
• Ensuring implementation and continuous usage of the Four Quadrants (4Q) program and lean manufacturing methodologies.
• Overseeing manufacturing subcontracts and coordinating with all involved functions to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient subcontractor performance.
• Supporting Sales during customer visits by demonstrating plant capabilities and technical expertise.
• Collaborating with Operational Excellence teams to embed lean principles and drive continuous improvement across production.
• Ensuring adherence to ABB’s core values, Code of Conduct, safety standards, statutory regulations, and integrity requirements.
• Owning the health, safety, and integrity performance of all employees and contractors within scope, promoting a strong safety culture and continuous improvement.
• Leading, motivating, and developing teams, ensuring proper staffing, skills, competence, and organizational effectiveness.
• Building effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including labor unions, and navigating diverse priorities across multiple business lines.

Qualifications for the role

• You are highly skilled in operational excellence, continuous improvement, lean methodologies, and modern manufacturing tools, ideally within the instrumentation, analytical, or technical/chemical industry.
• 5–10 years of experience in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, preferably in a leadership or plant operations role.
• Proven experience working with unions and managing complex stakeholder landscapes.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with a track record of driving change, developing teams, and improving culture and engagement.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and decision‑making skills; resilient in navigating multiple priorities and business lines.
• Good financial literacy with the ability to manage budgets, interpret cost drivers, and support investment decisions.
• Passionate about continuous improvement, team development, collaboration, and operational performance.
• You hold a valid UK passport or work permit / visa

What's in it for you?
We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day. 

Benefits
ABB offers a full range of benefits to help you thrive at work and beyond.

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual  leave plus bank holidays
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Flexible benefits scheme (Includes options to buy/sell holidays, health checks, dental, eye care, gym memberships, cycle to work, gadget discounts and more)
• Internal mobility opportunities, mentorships & access to projects globally
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous employee referral scheme
• Company car or cash for car allowance
• Private medical cover for yourself and partner / family
• Generous bonus scheme

More about us
For the 6th consecutive year ABB UK has been recognised as a Top Employer in UK. Being certified as a Top Employer showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work and exhibits this through excellent HR policies and people practices.

Be part of the team where progress happens, industries transform, and your work shapes the world. 
Run What Runs the World.  #RunwithABB #ABBCareers

Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.