Job Title: Trainee Manager
Company: Naiad Plastics Limited
Location: Littlehampton
Salary: Competitive
Hours: Full-time 4/5 days (30 - 40 hours) per week
Reports to: Managing Director
About Naiad Plastics
Naiad Plastics is a responsive UK injection moulding company with over 50 years’ experience in the production of high-quality injection moulded parts and assembled products. Based in Littlehampton, West Sussex, we offer a comprehensive range of services including injection moulding, tooling, assembly, and product design. With machines ranging from 7.5 tonne up to 350 tonnes. We produce everything from large plastic parts up to 1kg in weight down to precision miniature components weighing just a few milligrams. We have a particular focus on sustainable plastics, and we are proud to hold both ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 accreditations. We are a small, experienced, and close-knit team committed to flexible, sustainable UK manufacturing. Naiad Plastics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Industrial Design Consultancy, one of the UK leading product development consultancies.
The Role
This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded and motivated individual to begin a structured management career at Naiad Plastics. Whilst you will develop a solid working understanding of our injection moulding processes and the broader services we offer, the primary focus of this role is on supporting the business administration, sales, and marketing functions of the company. You will work directly alongside the Manging Director, gaining genuine hands-on experience in running and growing a specialist manufacturing SME.
Key Responsibilities
· Business Administration
· Support the Managing Director with the day-to-day administration of business operations, including correspondence, accounts and record keeping using Sage, payroll and reporting
· Assist with the preparation of customer quotations, purchase orders, and sales documentation
· Help maintain and improve internal systems and processes to support business efficiency
· Liaise professionally with customers and suppliers, managing enquiries and supporting relationship building
· Assist with basic finance administration including invoicing, cost tracking, and management reporting
· Help monitor and report on key business performance indicators
Sales & Marketing
· Support the development and delivery of Naiad Plastics’ marketing strategy across digital and other channels
· Manage and grow the company’s online presence, including the website (naiadplastics.com) and social media platforms such as LinkedIn
· Create engaging content that communicates Naiad’s capabilities across injection moulding, tooling, assembly, design, and sustainable plastics
· Assist in identifying new business opportunities and support lead generation and follow-up activity
· Produce marketing materials, case studies, and technical literature to promote our services and sustainability credentials
· Conduct market research to identify growth opportunities, competitor activity, and emerging trends — particularly around sustainable and recycled plastics
· Support the preparation of tender documents and customer presentations
Technical Awareness & Production
· Spend time on the shop floor to develop a practical understanding of the injection moulding process, tooling, and assembly operations
· Gain familiarity with the range of materials Naiad works with, including recycled polymers and biopolymers
· Develop an appreciation of quality standards in line with our ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 accreditations
· Liaise between the production and commercial teams to ensure customer requirements are clearly understood and communicated
· Develop awareness of health and safety requirements within a manufacturing environment
Person Specification
Essential:
· A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, e.g Business, Marketing, Engineering, or Product Design
· Good CAD skills for reading and amending 3D files
· Strong written and verbal communication skills with a confident, professional manner
· Good IT skills including Microsoft Office; experience with social media platforms and content creation tools
· Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a small business environment
· A genuine enthusiasm for manufacturing and an interest in how manufacturing businesses can operate more responsibly
· Proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable taking initiative
Desirable:
· Previous experience in a business administration, sales support, or marketing role
· Familiarity with the principles and tools of digital marketing
· Some exposure to or interest in a manufacturing or engineering environment
· Awareness of sustainable materials, recycling, or the circular economy
What We Offer
· A varied, hands-on role with real responsibility from day one
· Direct mentoring from the Managing Director in a close-knit, experienced team
· Broad exposure to all aspects of running a specialist UK manufacturing business
· Exposure and support from the wider Industrial Design Consultancy team
· A genuinely exciting brief — helping to grow and promote a company with strong sustainability credentials and over four decades of expertise
· Structured training and progression towards a management role
· 22 days holiday plus bank holidays
· Competitive salary, dependent on experience
· Opportunity for a 4-day week
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a brief covering letter to [email protected] explaining why you are interested in joining Naiad Plastics and what you feel you could bring to the role.
Naiad Plastics is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background.
Pay: £24,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
