Kentec Assistant Factory manager electronics
Kentec Electronics Ltd, during the last 40 years, has expanded into a major worldwide manufacturer of independent fire control panels. Over time, the Kentec brand has become known for its top-quality products, outstanding service, and exceptional support. Headquartered in Dartford, Kent, Kentec has established itself as a global leader, supplying control equipment to more than 90 countries across the world in multiple languages.
As part of the Hochiki Corporation – one of the world’s most established and respected fire detection and life safety manufacturers, with over 100 years of history – Kentec is proud to have been a valued member of the Hochiki family for the past 13 years. This partnership has strengthened our position in the global market, enabling us to deliver world-class fire control panel solutions backed by decades of innovation, quality, and reliability. Our shared values and long-standing collaboration continue to drive progress, excellence, and customer trust across the industry.
The assistant factory manager at Kentec is responsible for supporting the factory manager the daily performance and productive management of their departments and staff. They are expected to provide overarching guidance to supervisors & team leaders and their subordinates, leading their team effectively to ensure that the Company achieves its production and performance targets, aims, and objectives.
Job Title: Assistant Manager – PCB Manufacturing & Final Assembly
Department: Electronics Manufacturing / Production
Reports To: Factory Manager
Job Purpose: To support the Factory Manager in delivering efficient, high-quality PCB production and final
assembly operations. The role ensures smooth execution of SMT, through-hole, and final assembly processes while maintaining strict quality, safety, and delivery standards in a fast-paced electronics manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Production & Process Management
- Support daily operations across:
o SMT (Surface Mount Technology) lines
o Through-hole assembly / Test
o Final product assembly and test
- Ensure production schedules are achieved (OTIF – On Time In Full)
- Monitor line performance, cycle times, and bottlenecks
- Coordinate quick changeovers and minimise downtime
- Ensure correct setup of pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, and test equipment
- performance management and workforce planning
2. Technical & Process Control
- Ensure adherence to PCB manufacturing standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, IPC-J-STD-001)
- Support process optimisation for soldering, placement accuracy, and yield
- Troubleshoot production issues such as:
o Solder defects
o Component misalignment
o Reflow/profile issues
- Work closely with Engineering on NPI (New Product Introduction) and process validation
3. Quality Management
- Ensure compliance with quality standards and customer specifications
- Monitor defect rates (e.g., solder bridges, tombstoning, insufficient solder)
- Support root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)
- Drive Right-First Time and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure traceability of components and assemblies
4. Team Leadership & Development
- Supervise production staff, team leaders, and line supervisors
- Provide coaching on electronics assembly techniques and standards
- Support skills development
- Manage performance, attendance, and workforce planning
- Promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
5. Health, Safety & ESD Compliance
- Ensure adherence to all health & safety procedures
- Enforce ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) control measures
- Maintain safe working practices around automated machinery and soldering equipment
- Conduct audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations
6. Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing
- Drive Lean initiatives (5S, Kaizen, waste reduction)
- Monitor and improve KPIs such as:
o First Pass Yield (FPY)
o Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
o Defect rates and rework levels
- Identify opportunities to improve line balancing and throughput
- Support automation and digitalisation projects
8. Reporting & KPI Management
- Track and report production performance metrics
- Analyse yield, downtime, and quality trends
- Provide shift and daily production reports
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- First Pass Yield (FPY)
- OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
- Defect rate / DPMO (Defects Per Million Opportunities)
- On-Time Delivery (OTD)
- Rework and scrap levels
- Line downtime and changeover efficiency
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- 5 years manufacturing / Production lines
- Experience supervising production teams
Skills & Competencies
- Strong technical understanding of PCB assembly processes
- Leadership and people management skills
- Analytical mindset with a focus on yield and defect reduction
- Excellent problem-solving (root cause analysis, 8D, Fishbone, etc.)
- Ability to work in a high-mix, low-volume or high-volume environment
- Strong communication across production, engineering, and quality teams
Working Conditions
- Based in an electronics manufacturing environment
- Requires use of ESD protection equipment
- Exposure to soldering fumes, automated machinery, and production noise
- May involve shift work depending on operations
Job Specifics
- Working Hours are:
- 08:00 – 16:30 Monday to Thursday and 08:00-15:30 Friday
- Free Parking
- Enhanced workplace pension scheme
- Enhanced parental leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Unlimited access to 24/7 GP and wellbeing experts (Smart Health)
- Financial well-being scheme (Salary Finance)
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Long service awards
- Free Mental Health First Aid courses (M.H.F.A.)
- Life Assurance
- Cycle to work scheme
- Company sick pay
- Internal Training
- Company Events
- Employee benefits, discounts and perks (Rewards Gateway)
- Volunteer with a charity of your choice for a day each year
- Get the latest tech at the best price and spread the payments over your salary, interest-free (SmartTech)
