Production Manager – Bespoke Joinery Manufacturing

Amspec Limited - Wigan have grown over the last 24 years into one of the most capable and exciting

construction and fit out enterprises in the Northwest, currently operating in 4 key sectors: -

• Commercial and Industrial
• Retail and Leisure
• Public Sector
• Specialist and Bespoke (our Specialist and Bespoke service involves the Design and Manufacture of fitted and loose Joinery products).

Summary of Role

You will be responsible for ensuring that our manufacturing processes run reliably and efficiently, within stringent timescales and budgets, without any compromise to the quality of our output.

You will understand and develop the processes through which we get the best production from our highly skilled bench hand joiners, semi-skilled workers and key operatives, and you will lead that team day to day.

Our joinery workshop is a core part of our company, producing bespoke fitted and loose joinery for our own fit out and refurbishment projects as well as supply-only and supply-and-install packages for external clients. We are also third party certified manufacturers of timber fire rated doorsets which forms part of this role.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning and Programme

• Plan and maintain the workshop production programme, sequencing manufacture against confirmed site installation and delivery dates.
• Manage workshop capacity and workload, identifying pinch points early and flagging where additional resource, overtime or outsourcing is required.
• Work with the Project Management and Design teams to confirm drawings, specifications and approvals are in place before manufacture begins.
• Advise on realistic manufacturing lead times at tender and pre-construction stage, so that programmes are built on what the workshop can actually deliver.
• Monitor progress against programme and report status, risks and mitigation to the Directors.
• Coordinate deliveries to site with the site teams, ensuring items arrive in the right sequence, protected and ready for installation.

Manufacturing and Process

• Oversee the day to day running of the workshop, ensuring a safe, organised and efficient working environment.
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes, workflow and machine utilisation to maximise output without compromising quality.
• Oversee setting out and the accurate translation of drawings into cutting lists, CAD/CAM files and machine programmes.
• Manage the manufacture of solid surface, laminate, veneered and solid timber products to the required standards.
• Resolve technical and manufacturing queries and support the team on more complex or non-standard items.
• Monitor material usage, waste and take practical steps to reduce both.

Certified Fire Door Manufacture

• Take responsibility for the manufacture of certified timber fire rated doorsets strictly in accordance with our third party certification and the approved tested specifications.
• Ensure no deviation from the certified scope & materials without proper technical approval.
• Maintain the manufacturing records, traceability and labelling required by the certification scheme.
• Prepare for and host the bi-annual independent audits, and close out any observations raised.
• Work with the Passive Fire supervisors on doorset scheduling, technical queries and delivery dates for passive fire projects.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, allocate and supervise the workshop team, setting clear daily and weekly priorities.
• Set objectives and KPIs for the team covering output, quality, waste and programme adherence, and review performance against them.
• Identify training and development needs, maintain the workshop training and competence matrix, and support apprentices through their training.
• Manage timekeeping, attendance, holidays and day to day people matters in conjunction with HR.
• Build a positive workshop culture that reflects the Amspec core values.

Quality Assurance

• Implement, maintain and improve the workshop QA systems and processes.
• Ensure manufactured items are checked against drawings, dimensions, templates and specification before they leave the workshop.
• Review and sign off benchmark and sample items with the Design and Project Management teams before wider production.
• Investigate quality issues and snags reported from site, establish the root cause and put measures in place to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain a high standard at all times

Materials, Procurement and Cost Control

• Plan and order materials, boards, solid surface, ironmongery and consumables in good time to meet the production programme.
• Manage stock levels, storage and material handling within the workshop.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, and work with the commercial team on pricing, alternatives and value engineering.
• Monitor labour hours and material costs against allowances and report variances to the Directors.

Plant, Machinery and Health & Safety

• Ensure all workshop machinery is maintained, serviced, correctly guarded and safe to use, with records kept accordingly.
• Ensure statutory inspection and thorough examination requirements are met for relevant plant and equipment.
• Manage wood dust control and local exhaust ventilation, including testing, maintenance and correct use of extraction and RPE.
• Ensure risk assessments, COSHH assessments and safe systems of work are in place, current and followed for all workshop operations.
• Deliver and record toolbox talks, and ensure operatives are trained and authorised for the machines they use.
• Work with the Health, Safety and Compliance Manager on workshop inspections, incidents and continuous improvement.

Capability and Growth

• Contribute to the development of the joinery manufacturing division in line with Amspec’s growth plans.
• Identify opportunities to expand capacity, capability and product range, including investment in plant, technology and new processes.
• Keep abreast of developments in materials, machinery, software and manufacturing techniques relevant to our work.

Essential Requirements

• Sound knowledge of traditional and modern woodworking skills.
• Proficient in solid surface processing.
• Proficient in laminate processing.
• Able to implement all QA systems and processes.
• Bespoke joinery experience, with a clear understanding of detailed drawings.
• Proven experience of planning and managing production in a bespoke joinery or manufacturing environment.
• Experience of leading, allocating and developing a skilled workshop team.
• Sound working knowledge of workshop health and safety
• Commercially aware, with the ability to manage labour and material cost against allowances.
• Computer literate in all Microsoft packages.
• An eye for detail, and a team player.

Positive Behaviours Expected

• To represent Amspec’s core values at all times.
• To be enthusiastic and conscientious.
• To have a consistently good time-keeping and attendance record.
• To have a positive attitude and excellent communication skills.
• To provide quality workmanship on each project.
• To be reliable, honest and loyal.
• To be willing to go the extra mile.

As a business, we recognise that our strength lies within our workforce and our Investors in People achievement reflects our commitment to people management excellence. We have an expectation that our staff live and believe in our core values:-

Aspiring to be the best & celebrating success

Maintaining relationships

Safe working environment

Promoting team working & balanced lives

Exceeding client expectations

Considering the environment

Additionally, if you love a challenge, are dedicated, hardworking and committed, then you are the perfect candidate to join our team!

Competitive salary on offer, negotiable dependent upon experience and qualifications.  Hours of work 07.30am – 5.00pm (45/wk) Monday to Friday.

Great Company benefits including free access to our Employee Assistance Programme supporting our Employees Well-being.  Company pension scheme (currently with Royal London) and a staff reward and recognition programme.  We also encourage and promote continuous professional development for all staff, with no barriers to further training.

It is our policy as an Employer to comply with all relevant obligations under the Equality Act 2010. The Company will ensure that all persons are selected, promoted and treated equally on the basis of their relevant aptitudes, skills and abilities without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership or disability

Should you meet the desired criteria and wish to be considered for interview, please apply with your CV by no later than Friday 16^th October 2026.