Head of Manufacturing Process and Systems
Aberdeen or Inchinnan, Glasgow
Full-time, Permanent, Hybrid working
Please note that this role requires security checks and possible security clearance.
The Role:
This is a high impact role focused on improving how manufacturing works across JFD. You will be central to driving operational change, quickly getting up to speed with how the business operates and translating priorities into actions that are delivered properly and embedded not lost in day‑to‑day firefighting.
Working across manufacturing, supply chain, production, planning, engineering, quality, technical services and business operations, you will help improve performance, stability, efficiency and delivery confidence. By taking ownership of improvement execution, you will enable functional leaders to focus on strategy and running their operations.
Joining the business at an exciting stage of growth, you will work globally across all operational areas, using influence and credibility to drive change with leaders and teams. The role combines longer‑term improvement with hands‑on delivery in a fast‑paced, regulated manufacturing environment. Some ad‑hoc travel, both domestically and internationally, will be required.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead and coordinate the operational improvement agenda across all relevant functions.
- Lead the development of global manufacturing strategies including complex global product manufacturing plans.
- Support the Operations Director by leading Operations strategy development to support business growth and the wider strategic plan.
- Identify, prioritise and implement high-value improvement opportunities aligned to business and operational goals.
- Ensure improvement actions are governed, resourced, tracked and delivered through to sustained adoption.
- Drive measurable improvements in areas such as safety, quality, delivery, productivity, lead time, cost and inventory.
- Work with functional heads to address systemic issues, bottlenecks, waste and recurring failure demand.
- Establish clear improvement plans, reporting and performance measures for the Operations Director.
- Support the move from reactive firefighting to more stable, controlled and repeatable ways of working as part of the wider JFD system.
- Align with the IMS and ERP Transformation project which will run in parallel.
- Build improvement capability and discipline across operational teams and leaders.
What we’re looking for:
- Strong breadth of knowledge across manufacturing and operational functions.
- Proven track record of delivering measurable improvement across complex operational environments.
- Experience in manufacturing improvement, operational excellence, transformation or similar leadership roles.
- Experience of working in a highly regulated industry.
- Strong understanding of continuous improvement, lean principles, process improvement and performance management.
- Able to diagnose root causes, prioritise effectively and convert improvement opportunities into practical action.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior level and work effectively across functions.
- Strong data and performance literacy, using metrics to identify issues, track progress and measure impact.
- Experience of implementing and embedding change in delivery-focused environments.
Why join us?
- Early finish on Fridays
- Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
- Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility
- Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions
- Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations
About Us:
James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.
Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc
For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc
James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting-edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry. Explore more about JFD
If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!
Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.
To support an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience in the UK, we partner with Vercida. You can learn more about our approach by visiting our company page: James Fisher and Sons diversity, inclusion, culture - VERCIDA
