Job Description

Reporting to the Operations Director you will be responsible for 5 team leaders and 40 directs, you will bring a wealth of Manufacturing experience in the Engineering Sector (Cutting Tools preferred)

Objective of the Role

To lead and optimise all manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable production that meets customer demand and company growth targets. The role is responsible for delivering high performance across people, processes, and equipment, driving operational excellence, cost efficiency, and consistent product quality. Additionally, the Manufacturing Manager plays a key role in developing a high-performing team, improving manufacturing capability, and supporting strategic initiatives that enable sustainable business growth. The role champions continuous improvement and lean practices to enhance throughput and reduce operational waste. It ensures robust communication and alignment between production, engineering, planning, and quality teams. Furthermore, the Manufacturing Manager provides strong leadership that reinforces a culture of accountability, safety, and problem-solving across the manufacturing organisation.

Role & Responsibilities

1. Manufacturing Leadership & Strategy
- Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure efficient, and reliable production that meets customer demand and company targets.
- Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that enhance capability, capacity, and operational performance.
- Contribute to long-term business planning, providing insight on productioncapability, resource requirements, and operational risks.
2. Operational Excellence & Efficiency
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and Lean methodologies to increase throughput, reduce waste, and optimise flow.
- Ensure production processes are standardised, controlled, and continuously improved for quality, efficiency, and repeatability.
- Monitor and improve key operational metrics including OEE, throughput, machine uptime, labour efficiency, and scrap levels.
3. People Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, motivate, and develop production teams to achieve high levels of performance, engagement, and accountability.
- Ensure effective communication cascades, clarity of expectations, and strong performance management.
- Build succession, strengthen skills capability, and promote a culture of ownership and problem-solving.
4. Safety, Compliance & Quality
- Ensure all manufacturing activities are carried out safely and in full compliance with regulations, policies, and best practice.
- Maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring effective training, risk assessments, and corrective actions.
- Work closely with Quality and Engineering to ensure products are manufactured to specification and customer expectations.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Planning to deliver accurate and achievable production schedules and maintain stable workflow.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, and Process teams to resolve issues, improve processes, and implement new technologies.
- Work with Supply Chain and Stores/Logistics to ensure materials, tooling, and resources are available to support continuous production.
6. Performance Management & Reporting
- Track and report key manufacturing KPIs, analysing performance trends and implementing action plans to close gaps.
- Ensure accurate labour, downtime, and production reporting to support financial accuracy and operational decision-making.
- Drive accountability across the manufacturing area through structured routines, daily management processes, and problem-solving tools.
7. Resource & Equipment Management
- Ensure equipment is properly maintained through TPM practices, supporting high uptime and long-term asset reliability.
- Identify Capex needs, support business cases, and lead successful implementation of equipment upgrades or new technologies.
- Ensure workforce planning, staffing levels, and shift patterns align with customer demand and business needs.

KPIs/Metrics

Operational Excellence

Manufacturing OTIF>92%

Throughput & Schedule Adherence? 95% planned schedule adherence

Scrap, Rework & Waste Levels Documented and updated quarterly

Productivity & Efficiency

Value Generated Per Person (VGPP) 5%YOY

Labour Efficiency & Productivity3% improvement year on year

Continuous Improvement

Cost Saving Projects1% of Manf T/O

Leadership / People

Team leader training 40 hours of recorded training per quarter

All Shopfloor 121 monthly training cards updated 100%

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 57,000.00-62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Free parking On-site gym Private medical insurance
Application question(s):

What is your academic qualifications
Experience:

Manufacturing or Production: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person