Factory Manager
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We’re looking for an experienced and driven Factory Manager to lead our manufacturing operation and play a key role in shaping the future of our factory.
This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for the overall performance of the manufacturing facility - from production, safety and quality through to maintenance, facilities, continuous improvement and people development.
You’ll be joining a growing, design-led furniture manufacturer where craftsmanship, quality and innovation are at the heart of what we do. We’re looking for someone who can bring strong operational leadership, challenge the way we work and build a culture where people take ownership and strive for better every day.
As Factory Manager, you’ll have a real opportunity to make a difference - improving efficiency, developing our people, investing in our facilities and ensuring we consistently deliver outstanding results for our customers.
Role Summary
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The Factory Manager leads the overall performance of the manufacturing facility, ensuring the safe, efficient and high-quality production of furniture. They oversee production, health & safety, quality, maintenance, facilities and people development while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence. The role ensures production plans are delivered on time, resources are optimised and risks are effectively managed. They lead Lean initiatives, capital projects and infrastructure improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on delivering strong results across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People.
Salary DOE
Main Duties and Responsibilities
You’ll take overall responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and performance of the factory, ensuring we deliver safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.
Your key areas of responsibility will include:
- Production & Planning – Lead production planning, scheduling and shop-floor activity, ensuring we have the capacity, resources and processes in place to meet customer demand.
- Health & Safety – Take ownership of the factory’s health, safety and environmental performance, building a proactive safety culture and ensuring legislative and company requirements are met.
- Quality & Continuous Improvement – Use data and root-cause analysis to improve quality, reduce waste and drive continuous improvement across the operation.
- Operational Excellence – Establish clear KPIs across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People, using visual management and daily performance reviews to drive accountability.
- Lean Manufacturing – Introduce and embed Lean, 5S, Kaizen and other continuous improvement methodologies to improve flow, efficiency and productivity.
- Maintenance & Facilities – Lead preventative and reactive maintenance, equipment reliability, contractors and the ongoing development of the factory, buildings and infrastructure.
- People Leadership – Lead, coach and develop production leaders and teams, creating a positive, accountable and high-performing culture.
- Capital Investment – Identify opportunities for investment, develop business cases and lead capital projects from specification through to implementation.
- Sustainability – Drive initiatives that reduce waste, improve material efficiency and minimise energy consumption and environmental impact.
- ERP/MRP & Systems – Ensure systems, processes, BOMs, routings and production information support an efficient and well-controlled manufacturing operation.
About You
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- Significant experience in a manufacturing management or factory leadership role, ideally 8+ years.
- Experience within furniture manufacturing or a similar complex, made-to-order manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge and practical experience of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen and continuous improvement.
- Experience managing health & safety within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience overseeing maintenance, facilities and production equipment.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems to support production planning and operational control.
- Experience managing capital investment and improvement projects.
- A strong track record of leading, developing and retaining teams.
Why Modus?
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At Modus we offer more than just a job - we provide a vibrant work environment nestled in a beautiful rural location with a custom-built workspace designed to inspire creativity and collaboration. Powered by 100% renewable electricity, our state-of-the-art factory, houses both our upholstery and joinery facilities where our teams employ a combination of digital technology and age-old hand finishing techniques to create furniture of the highest level of craft and quality. Enjoy the fresh air and scenic surroundings as you work alongside a passionate and supportive team. We believe in creating a balanced and engaging workplace, with regular social events and activities that foster a strong sense of community.
If you value a great work environment and are eager to contribute to a company that prioritises both professional growth and employee well-being, we’d love to have you on board.
We welcome applications from everyone, especially individuals who are underrepresented in our industry. We understand and value the strength that diversity brings to our business, and we believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone can be heard and valued.
- We are proud to be a B Corp certified company & Living Wage accredited.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Flexitime
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Chard TA20 4BY: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- What is your interview availability for dates between 17th -27th August?
Experience:
- Made to order: 2 years (preferred)
- Manufacturing: 8 years (required)
- Lean manufacturing: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
