Job Description

Manufacturing Manager - Composites
Location: Belfast
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: 55,000 - 60,000+ (depending on experience)
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Manufacturing Manager to take on a senior leadership role within a pioneering engineering organisation at the forefront of high-performance composite manufacturing and advanced propulsion systems.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you will drive operational excellence, quality, and safety across complex manufacturing operations, supporting the delivery of cutting-edge engineering projects that are shaping the future of sustainable transport and innovation.
The Role
Reporting to the Production Director, the Manufacturing Manager will lead a large, multi-functional team in delivering high-quality composite and metallic assemblies to strict cost, schedule, and quality targets.
You will play a key role in developing manufacturing strategies, supporting new production introductions, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of up to 100 production staff, overseeing all day-to-day operations within the manufacturing function.
• Manage resource planning, work scheduling, and performance management of operational leads and team leaders.
• Build and maintain a strong health, safety, and environmental culture across the production environment.
• Ensure cost, quality, and delivery targets are consistently achieved.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and operations teams to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Drive Lean and 5S manufacturing practices to optimise efficiency and minimise waste.
• Lead continuous improvement projects to enhance production capability, quality, and throughput.
• Support the recruitment, training, and development of direct labour teams.
• Contribute to long-term manufacturing strategy and industrialisation initiatives.

About You

• Degree-qualified (or equivalent experience) in a relevant engineering or manufacturing discipline.
• Proven track record in composite manufacturing, assembly, or low-volume, high-complexity production environments.
• Strong leadership and people management experience within a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Experienced in implementing Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to drive transformation and process optimisation.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work under pressure while maintaining focus on quality and performance targets.
• Experience in new product introduction (NPI) and scaling manufacturing operations is highly desirable.

What's on Offer

• Highly competitive salary (55,000 - 60,000+, depending on experience)
• Private medical insurance and health cashback plan
• Group income protection and life assurance (3x salary)
• Company pension scheme
• Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
• Annual travel card loan support
• 22 days annual leave plus 13 public/bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Regular social and wellbeing events for staff and families
• Genuine career progression within a fast-growing, high-technology environment

This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated and experienced Manufacturing Manager to take a leading role in a company driving forward innovation in composite technology and sustainable engineering.
If this role could be of interest or you would like to have a chat about any other roles available, click apply or reach out to for a confidential discussion.
INDKY

Skills Required