Senior Production Operations Manager

Company: Celestion
Apply for the Senior Production Operations Manager
Location: Ipswich
Job Description:

An exciting opportunity has arisen to be part of a progressive and rapidly expanding business with a large, global reach. Founded in 1924, Celestion has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most innovative manufacturers of loudspeakers.


Lead the manufacturing operation to deliver loudspeaker products safely, on time, to specification and at a competitive cost. The role is accountable for production, planning, inventory, operational performance and continuous improvement, while leading health and safety across the site. It also supports new product introductions and the investment needed for future growth.


Team: Production, planning, production engineering and continuous improvement, with a matrix relationship to Quality


This is an office-based role, available across four or five days per week.


The ideal candidate will live within an easy commute of the office.


Key responsibilities



  • Lead production and assembly teams, aligning labour, equipment, materials and capacity with forecast demand and delivery commitments.

  • Manage production planning and scheduling. Work with procurement to secure materials, improve inventory accuracy and reduce excess or obsolete stock.

  • Set and review operational measures, including on-time delivery, output, labour productivity, capacity utilisation, OEE, first-pass yield, scrap, rework and customer returns. Act on performance gaps.

  • Build a culture of quality and work with the Quality Manager on ISO 9001 readiness, root cause analysis, corrective actions and the reduction of defects and warranty claims.

  • Partner with Engineering and R&D to prepare new loudspeaker products for manufacture, improve design for manufacture and assembly, and develop processes and automation.

  • Lead Lean and continuous improvement programmes that deliver measurable gains in safety, quality, productivity and cost.

  • Manage operational budgets, labour and overhead costs, and contribute to annual forecasts and investment plans.

  • Lead health and safety compliance, risk assessments, accident reduction and relevant environmental initiatives.

  • Coach and develop managers and teams, supporting recruitment, succession planning, employee engagement and clear communication across functions as part of Celestion’s Management team.


Measures of success


Delivery and efficiency: On-time-in-full delivery, output, OEE, productivity and capacity utilisation.


Quality: First-pass yield, complaints, warranty returns, scrap and rework.


Financial: Cost per unit, inventory levels and turns, and budget performance.


People and safety: Engagement, retention, training completion and lost-time incidents.


Experience and qualifications



  • A degree or equivalent qualification in engineering, operations, supply chain or business management; or equivalent experience

  • Substantial manufacturing experience including a minimum of 5 years in a senior operational leadership role,

  • Proven team leadership and effective coaching skills

  • Lean implementation, budget management and good working knowledge of ISO 9001. Experience in loudspeakers, audio, electro-mechanical assembly or high-value manufacturing is desirable, as are ERP/MRP experience and Lean Six Sigma, IOSH or NEBOSH qualifications

  • Balances short-term delivery requirements with long-term manufacturing capability.

  • Champions Lean manufacturing principles.

  • Promotes a culture of problem solving, safety and waste reduction.

  • Leads improvement projects through to completion.

  • Identifies and mitigates operational risks.

  • Promotes wellbeing and environmental responsibility

  • Highly successful at managing change


Why Join Us?


Join a people-focused business where HR is valued as a true partner. You’ll have the autonomy and support to shape the employee experience and make a visible impact.


For more company and role details, please visit our website at https://celestion.com/.


Celestion is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, status, or disability. Personal data will be kept confidential and used solely for recruitment. Application data will be retained for 12 months then destroyed.

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Posted: November 5th, 2026