Job Overview
We are looking for an experienced and driven Manufacturing Manager to lead our manufacturing operations at our lead manufacturing site.
This is a key leadership role with responsibility for the overall performance of the manufacturing function. You will lead the management team, supervisors, team leaders and production operatives, creating a strong culture of accountability, safety, teamwork and continuous improvement.
We are looking for someone who can balance people leadership with operational delivery — someone who can set clear standards, develop their team, solve problems and drive improvements while maintaining a strong focus on health and safety and product quality.
The Role
Reporting to the Managing Director and the Production Manager, the Manufacturing Manager will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management and performance of the manufacturing operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the manufacturing management team, supervisors, team leaders and production operatives.
- Establish clear expectations, standards and accountability across the manufacturing function.
- Develop a positive, respectful and performance-focused culture.
- Manage performance effectively, addressing issues promptly and fairly.
- Improve employee engagement, communication and teamwork across the site.
- Ensure regular communication with employees regarding production performance, safety and operational changes.
- Build strong working relationships across Production, Engineering, Quality, EHS, Logistics and other departments.
- Take overall responsibility for achieving production plans, output, quality, efficiency and delivery targets.
- Ensure manufacturing resources are effectively planned and utilised.
- Monitor production performance through appropriate KPIs and management information.
- Identify and resolve production constraints, bottlenecks and recurring issues.
- Ensure production processes and procedures are followed consistently.
- Work closely with Production Planning, Engineering and Quality to ensure production requirements are achieved.
- Drive improvements in productivity, OEE, waste, downtime and manufacturing efficiency.
- Ensure appropriate standards of housekeeping, organisation and discipline are maintained throughout the manufacturing areas.
· Ensure all employees understand and follow EHS requirements.
- Ensure risk assessments, safe systems of work and operating procedures are implemented and followed.
- Drive improvements in workplace safety and employee behaviour.
- Monitor compliance with PPE requirements, housekeeping standards and safe working practices.
- Ensure employees receive appropriate training, instruction and supervision.
Continuous Improvement
You will lead a structured approach to continuous improvement across the manufacturing operation, focusing on people, processes, quality, safety, efficiency and cost.
This will include:
- Identifying opportunities to improve manufacturing processes and working practices.
- Reducing waste, downtime, rework and unnecessary process variation.
- Improving productivity and manufacturing efficiency.
- Encouraging employees at all levels to contribute improvement ideas.
- Establishing a culture of continuous improvement rather than relying solely on reactive problem solving.
- Ensuring improvements are properly implemented, measured and sustained.
- Sharing best practice across teams and departments.
About You
We are looking for an experienced manufacturing leader who can demonstrate a strong track record of managing people and delivering operational performance in a demanding manufacturing environment.
You will ideally have:
- Significant experience in a manufacturing management or senior production leadership role.
- Proven experience managing employees at all levels
- Strong people-management and leadership skills.
- A strong understanding of production planning, performance management and manufacturing KPIs.
- A demonstrable commitment to health and safety.
- Experience of implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- The confidence to challenge poor standards while building positive working relationships.
- A hands-on and visible leadership style.
- The ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
· Experience within metals, lead processing, foundry, heavy manufacturing or another hazardous manufacturing environment would be highly advantageous.
· Knowledge of relevant UK health and safety legislation and experience working within a regulated manufacturing environment would also be beneficial.
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
