Production Manager

We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Production Manager to join our team at Signs Express South Durham.

This is a varied role combining production management, team leadership, hands-on sign making and site survey work. You will be responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the production department, ensuring jobs are scheduled efficiently, produced to a high standard and delivered on time.

Location: Signs Express (South Durham), 2 Code Business Estate, Henson Road, Darlington, DL1 4NZ

Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 Dependent on experience

Working Hours: Full-time, permanent, Monday to Friday

Travel: A full, clean driving licence is essential for use of company vehicles to travel between jobs and local travel between our South Durham, Teesside, Gateshead, Wearside, Scarborough and Northallerton sites.

The successful candidate will have strong experience within the signage industry, a practical understanding of production and installation processes, and the confidence to support the team directly during busy periods. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the next chapter of a long-established business under the Signs Express brand across multiple Northeast locations.

Duties include:

·        Oversee and manage all aspects of signage production, from design handover through to fabrication, finishing and installation.

·        Lead, support and motivate the production and installation team, creating a positive, organised and productive working environment.

·        Plan and schedule jobs effectively to meet client deadlines and make best use of internal resources.

·        Take a hands-on role in the manufacture and finishing of signage when required, including vinyl application, digital print finishing, mounting, laminating, trimming and general sign making.

·        Operate, maintain and support the use of large-format printers, vinyl cutters, laminators and other production equipment.

·        Ensure all signage products are produced to a high standard and meet client specifications, brand requirements and agreed deadlines.

·        Carry out and assist with site surveys, taking accurate measurements, photographs and notes to support quoting, production and installation planning.

·        Liaise with customers during surveys and project delivery, maintaining a professional and helpful approach.

·        Coordinate with internal teams to ensure projects move smoothly from enquiry and design through to production and installation.

·        Manage health and safety practices across the production floor and during on-site work.

·        Monitor stock and material levels, liaising with suppliers to ensure materials are ordered in good time. 

·        Identify opportunities to improve production processes, quality control, workflow and efficiency.

·        Support installation planning and provide practical input on access, fixing methods, materials and installation requirements.

·        Help ensure projects are delivered on time, to specification and within budget. 

What we need from you:

·        A minimum of three years’ experience in signage production, ideally within a supervisory or management role.

·        Strong hands-on sign making experience, including vinyl application, wide-format print finishing, mounting and general production techniques.

·        Good knowledge of signage materials, manufacturing methods and equipment, including vinyl, wide-format print, acrylics, ACM, Foamex, illuminated signage and other common signage solutions.

·        Experience operating large-format print equipment, plotters, laminators and related production machinery.

·        Experience conducting site surveys, taking accurate measurements and assessing practical installation requirements.

·        Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to organise, motivate and support others.

·        The ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced production environment.

·        Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.

·        Good communication skills, with the confidence to liaise with customers, suppliers and internal teams.

·        Strong time management, accuracy and organisational skills.

·        A practical, solutions-focused approach with the ability to work under pressure when required.

·        Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, production software and RIP software is desirable.

·        Experience using Onyx RIP software would be advantageous.

·        A full, clean driving licence is essential. 

Benefits:

·        Full training will be provided where required.

·        Continued education and professional development through our online centralised Learning Management System.

·        Uniform and PPE provided where necessary.

·        20 days’ holiday allowance, plus bank holidays.

·        Wider company networking and training opportunities.

·        Free on-site parking.

How to apply:

·        Please send your CV and covering letter to admin.ne@signs-express.co.uk.

·        Closing date: 19 July 2026.

Please note that whilst we aim to get back to all applicants, if you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, unfortunately you will have been unsuccessful