Job Description

Gentex Europe, part of the global Gentex Corporation, is seeking an accomplished Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead our UK manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence across our Haydock and Letchworth facilities. The role will be based at our Haydock facility with 25% travel required to our Letchworth facility.

This is a high-profile leadership role where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of our manufacturing capability, lead a multi-skilled team, and play a pivotal role in delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality production to support our growing customer base in the aerospace, defence, and industrial sectors.

This role goes beyond day-to-day operations -- it's about driving transformation, continuous improvement, and building a high-performing manufacturing culture. You'll be responsible for setting strategic direction, optimising production capabilities, and ensuring our operations consistently deliver on quality, cost, and delivery expectations.

Key Accountabilities:

Lead manufacturing operations across the UK, establishing priorities and aligning performance with Gentex Europe's business objectives. Build and embed a Lean culture, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence through structured transformation initiatives. Deliver against operational KPIs for safety, quality, on-time delivery, cost, and productivity. Oversee financial performance, optimising labour, material, and overhead costs to maximise operational efficiency. Drive collaboration across functions, partnering closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Customer Service to meet customer expectations. Lead site resource planning, production scheduling, and capacity modelling to support strategic growth. Manage CAPEX planning and implementation for new production lines and automation investments. Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, AS9100D, health & safety, environmental, and export control regulations. Champion talent development by leading, coaching, and building capability within production teams, supervisors, and support functions.

What You'll Bring

The ideal candidate is a strategic operations leader with a proven track record of transforming manufacturing performance in complex, fast-paced environments. Someone who thrives on solving challenges, driving innovation, and empowering teams to deliver their best.

Degree-level education or equivalent in engineering, operations, or related discipline. 8+ years' progressive leadership experience within manufacturing operations, preferably in aerospace, defence, or other high-specification manufacturing sectors. Demonstrated success in leading high-performing teams, improving productivity, and embedding operational excellence. Strong background in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement principles (certification desirable). Proven experience introducing new production lines and technologies from concept to implementation, including capex planning and workforce upskilling. In-depth knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100D, and quality compliance frameworks. Proficiency in SAP S/4HANA (or similar ERP systems) and confident with operational analytics and reporting tools. Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to partner across all levels of the organisation.

Leadership & Team

You'll have full line management responsibility for Production Managers, Supervisors, and a wider manufacturing workforce. You'll set the tone for a high-performance culture built on trust, accountability, and continuous development.

Why Gentex?

At Gentex Europe, you'll be part of a dynamic, ambitious organisation backed by a global leader in mission-critical innovation. We combine global expertise with the agility of a local business, meaning you'll have the autonomy to make an impact while benefiting from world-class resources and investment.

We offer:

Competitive salary up to 70,000 (dependent on experience) 37 hours per week - Monday to Thursday 08:00 until 16:30, Friday 08:00 until 13:00 25% travel to Letchworth site Significant influence over manufacturing strategy and transformation Opportunities for leadership development and career progression Exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and automation initiatives A collaborative culture where performance and innovation are recognised
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Casual dress Company events Company pension Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:

Haydock WA11: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

SAP S/4HANA: 2 years (required) Manufacturing operations: 8 years (required) Lean manufacturing: 5 years (required)
Willingness to travel:

25% (required)
Work Location: In person