Job Description

Assistant Director of Manufacturing
Kent (National Multi-Site Responsibility)
Competitive Package & Travel - c.60k + bens
Pearson Whiffin Recruitment points of contact - Emily and Sammy - Manufacturing, Engineering & Technical Division
Are you an experienced manufacturing leader who thrives in a multi-site, fast-moving environment?
Do you enjoy shaping operational strategy and getting under the skin of day-to-day production?
Looking for a role that gives you real influence, modernisation responsibilities and the chance to leave a legacy?
We're supporting a well-established organisation entering a major period of growth. With several manufacturing sites across the UK producing high-volume custom products (including a large signage facility), they are investing heavily in process alignment, operational excellence, new facilities and long-term expansion.
They now need a credible, engaging Assistant Director of Manufacturing to work closely with the Managing Director and Operations Managers to elevate performance, unify sites, and create a best-in-class, scalable manufacturing operation.
This appointment is central to the next phase of national growth.
This exciting management role involves:

• Taking ownership for Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and People performance across multiple UK facilities.
• Driving consistency, alignment and continuous improvement -- building a "One Manufacturing" model across production sites.
• Guiding and developing Operations Managers, ensuring objectives are clear, measurable and commercially aligned.
• Championing modern, efficient manufacturing practices including process improvement, lean principles, and effective use of ERP.
• Leading on capacity planning, budgeting, output targets and capex projects.
• Building strong onsite relationships, ensuring each site is supported, high-performing and aligned to group goals.
• Recruiting, developing and managing a diverse workforce, navigating the operational challenges that come with varied backgrounds and skill levels.
• Playing a key role in major upcoming projects -- including a brand-new manufacturing facility and a future pipeline of national expansion plans.
• Working closely with the senior team to ensure operational excellence keeps pace with growth, acquisitions and new initiatives.

What we are looking for:
Someone who brings credibility, energy and genuine operational depth.
Essential Requirements include:

• Strong experience in manufacturing or production management, ideally across multi-site environments.
• A background in small-to-medium manufacturing businesses where you've had to be hands-on as well as strategic.
• Proven capability in operational improvement, process alignment, capacity planning and output optimisation.
• Excellent people leadership skills -- confident influencing diverse teams, embedding high standards, and navigating resistance to change.
• ERP experience and a track record of improving or modernising production systems.
• The resilience, adaptability and credibility to work in a complex organisation that is scaling quickly and constantly evolving.

A degree in Manufacturing/Engineering/Business is beneficial, but relevant experience carries equal weight.
Why this role?
This is a rare opportunity to:

• Step into a senior leadership role with genuine influence and scope for long term growth.
• Modernise and professionalise multi-site production.
• Drive improvements that will directly shape a national manufacturing operation.
• Take ownership in a role where your experience will finally be fully utilised and valued.
• Join an organisation investing heavily in growth, new facilities and long-term capability building.

If you're a manufacturing leader who thrives in a role with breadth, challenge and impact -- this is the one.

Skills Required