Jobs

Workshop Manager
(Hands-On | Shop-Floor Leader)

Location: Ryetec, Mill House, A64 East Knapton, Malton, YO17 8JA
Type: Full – time 40hrs. 8am – 5pm. (This role supports live production and peak periods. Occasional flexibility may be needed to meet dispatch deadlines, especially in busy farming seasons.)
Reports to: General Manager
Works closely with: Purchasing & Planning Manager
Teams you’ll lead: Welding, Painting, Assembly, Dispatch (approx. 14 people)

Please note - This is not a desk based production manager role, it is hands on

We need a visible, practical people manager who is on the workshop floor most of the day - leading by example, problem solving, and keeping work moving.

Who are Ryetec?

We are a fast-growing, family-run business based in Yorkshire, specialising in the manufacture and supply of machinery to the agriculture, amenity, conservation, estate, forestry, golf course, highway, and local authority sectors. As we continue to expand, we are looking for someone who is ready to get stuck in and play a key part in our journey. We pride ourselves on leading the market we operate in, setting high standards in everything we do, and delivering quality, performance, and service that justify our reputation — letting our machines do the talking.

Why we’re hiring

With rapid expansion of our manufactured product range and more growth anticipated, we need to make sure we’re ready to handle the increase. We’re at a stage where the workshop needs strong, close line management day - to - day. The team responds best when leadership is present on jobs, helping set standards and solve real - time problems. We’re improving organisation and systems all the time, but right now we need someone who will roll up their sleeves and lead from the front.

What you’ll do (day to day)

• Be a consistent presence on the workshop floor, leading the team through daily priorities
• Deliver the live production plan (welding, painting, assembly, dispatch) safely and to a high standard
• Spot issues early (materials, sequencing, bottlenecks) and work with Planning & Purchasing to resolve them fast
• Run daily toolbox talks and short floor huddles to align the team
• Manage performance fairly - feedback, standards, attendance, training and development
• Improve flow in the yard/workshop/production line and enable machines to move smoothly from raw goods - in to dispatch
• Support product/build improvements - capture recurring issues, feedback to design, help update BOMs

What we’re looking for

Must have

• Confident people manager - comfortable setting standards, addressing issues, and building respect
• Practical problem - solver who enjoys being “in the thick of it”
• Strong communication - can bridge office/workshop and keep everyone aligned

Nice to have

• Proven experience leading a workshop/production team in manufacturing, engineering or fabrication
• Background in welding/fabrication/mechanical assembly (or similar)
• Understanding of hydraulics/electrics (or practical and keen to learn)
• Forklift/crane tickets, First Aid, H&S training
• Agricultural knowledge/background would be advantageous but not necessary as long as you’re keen to learn.

What success looks like in 3–6 months

• The workshop team has clear daily priorities and strong on - floor leadership
• Better communication between office and workshop
• Fewer production surprises; smoother flow; improved quality and rework reduction
• A stronger culture of ownership, safety, and accountability

Hours & flexibility

This role supports live production and peak periods. Occasional flexibility may be needed to meet dispatch deadlines, especially in busy farming seasons.