Job Description

Manufacturing Manager (Composites)
Location: Belfast Area
Salary: 55,000 - 60,000 + Excellent Benefits
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
A leading high-technology engineering organisation is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead production operations within its advanced composite manufacturing division.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking company operating at the cutting edge of sustainable innovation, delivering complex, high-value assemblies in a fast-paced environment.
The Role
Reporting to the Production Director, the Manufacturing Manager will be responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team to deliver composite and metallic assemblies to the highest standards of cost, quality, and schedule.
This is a hands-on leadership role suited to an individual with proven experience in composite manufacturing, assembly operations, and continuous improvement. You will play a pivotal role in shaping production processes, embedding a strong safety culture, and driving operational excellence as the organisation continues its rapid growth journey.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage the manufacturing team including direct and indirect labour ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
• Oversee the delivery of composite and metallic assemblies to meet customer and internal project timelines.
• Drive a strong Health & Safety culture, ensuring all work complies with company and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, procurement, and operations teams to support seamless project delivery.
• Implement LEAN, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production efficiency and quality performance.
• Oversee workforce planning, resource management, and day-to-day production scheduling.
• Monitor departmental KPIs across cost, quality, delivery, and safety metrics, implementing improvement plans where required.
• Support industrialisation strategies for new product introductions, ensuring scalable and repeatable production processes.
• Champion training, development, and performance management of team leads and operational staff.

About You

• Degree-qualified (or equivalent experience) in Manufacturing, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Proven track record managing teams within a composite or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership ability with experience managing large direct-labour teams (50-100+ personnel).
• Demonstrable experience delivering results in low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing.
• Skilled in LEAN principles, process optimisation, and production planning.
• Strong communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organised, adaptable, and comfortable working under pressure in a fast-growing environment.

Desirable:

• Experience in composite assembly, lamination, or structural bonding.
• Knowledge of New Product Introduction (NPI) and industrialisation processes.
• Familiarity with MS Office and production management systems.

What's on Offer

• 55,000 - 60,000 salary, depending on experience.
• Private Medical Insurance and Health Cashback Plan.
• Pension scheme, Life Insurance, and Group Income Protection.
• Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.
• 22 days annual leave plus 13 public/bank holidays (increasing with service).
• Regular team and family social events.
• Inclusive, collaborative, and innovation-driven culture with strong focus on personal and professional growth.

For more information or to apply, please reach out to karlyellop@vanrath.com at VANRATH.
INDKY

Skills Required