Production Manager, Kawasaki Precision Machinery
The Client
Kawasaki Precision Machinery is part of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, a globally recognised engineering and technology group with operations spanning aerospace, transportation, energy, industrial automation and precision manufacturing. Employing more than 35,000 people worldwide, the organisation has built a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, innovation and quality.
Its Plymouth based facility serves as the principal European manufacturing site for the Precision Machinery division, producing hydraulic pumps, motors, valves and associated systems for customers across global markets. Operating from a 20,000 m² manufacturing facility and forecast to generate revenues exceeding £63 million, the site plays a critical role within one of Kawasaki’s strongest-performing business units. Supported by continued investment and a culture of operational excellence, the business remains focused on productivity, sustainability and long-term growth.
The Requirement
Following organisational changes within the wider group, Kawasaki identified the need for a Production Manager to take overall responsibility for manufacturing performance across its Plymouth operation. This was a strategically important appointment, requiring a leader capable of overseeing machining and assembly activities while driving operational excellence throughout the manufacturing value stream.
The successful individual needed to balance daily production demands with longer-term transformation initiatives, ensuring improvements in productivity, quality, delivery performance and cost control. Equally important was the ability to lead and develop a team of production leaders, build engagement across the workforce and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
Given the complexity of the operation, Kawasaki sought a commercially aware manufacturing leader with strong lean expertise, proven experience leading operational change, and the credibility to influence stakeholders across engineering, supply chain, quality and commercial functions.
The Solution
Novo Executive Search partnered closely with Kawasaki’s senior leadership team to gain a detailed understanding of the site’s operational structure, growth ambitions and leadership requirements. A targeted search strategy was developed, focusing on high-calibre manufacturing leaders from engineering, precision manufacturing and advanced industrial environments.
Our approach included:
- Identifying senior production and operations professionals with responsibility for complex manufacturing value streams
- Assessing experience in Lean manufacturing, operational transformation and performance improvement programmes
- Evaluating capability across production planning, resource optimisation, cost management and KPI delivery
- Reviewing leadership style, team development experience and cultural alignment within a high-performance manufacturing environment
Throughout the assignment, Novo provided market insight, candidate benchmarking and strategic guidance, ensuring a thorough and robust selection process.
The Outcome
Kawasaki successfully appointed an experienced Production Manager with a strong track record of leading manufacturing operations in demanding engineering environments. The individual brought a combination of operational rigour, Lean expertise and people leadership, enabling them to quickly establish credibility across the site.
Since joining the business, the new leader has strengthened production planning and execution, enhanced performance visibility, and supported improvements in operational efficiency across the manufacturing value stream. Their focus on continuous improvement and team development has further reinforced Kawasaki’s commitment to operational excellence.
The appointment has strengthened the site’s leadership capability and positioned the Plymouth operation to support future growth, ongoing investment and the delivery of world-class manufacturing performance.
