Manufacturing Manager
Full time, 12-18 month FTC
Knighton, On-site
Clayton Engineering Limited specialise in the design and manufacture of launch and recovery equipment for lifeboats. As part of the RNLI, we support them to save lives at sea by manufacturing high quality equipment and sustaining its life in service. Our vehicles are often featured on the BBC TV Program 'Saving Lives at Sea’ and can be seen at many of the RNLI Boathouses across the country. The company has a site based in Knighton in Mid Wales on the Powys / Shropshire / Herefordshire border. Easily commutable from Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Leominster or Hereford. LD1, LD7, LD8, SY7, SY8, SY9, HR5, HR6
Job Overview
Lead Manufacturing operations at Clayton Engineering Limited (CEL) in Knighton, with a primary focus on the safe and expedient production output of specialist launch and recovery equipment; including winches, carriages, tractors and associated components and tooling. Proactively manage the workforce engaged in fabrication, machining, fitting, assembly, maintenance, repair and refit activities, ensuring products are delivered safely, at pace and right first time. The role is based in a fast-moving operational environment, including urgent priorities where reliability and availability are critical.
Key Responsibilities
- To manage the manufacture, assembly, maintenance, refit and repair of launch and recovery equipment and associated mechanical / hydraulic systems at Knighton in line with CEL strategy, customer requirements and production plans.
- Ensure all Health & Safety and Environmental requirements are implemented by working collaboratively with internal colleagues and by maintaining high standards in a physically demanding heavy engineering environment.
- Drive and lead sitewide continuous improvement with a specific focus on safety, quality, delivery and productivity in a high-energy manufacturing environment.
- To support the business in the planning, sequencing and resourcing of work packages to meet demanding schedules.
- To monitor and control labour deployment and utilisation in line with targets, balancing changing priorities across all teams.
- To oversee technical information for timely issue to the shop floor and ensure teams are working to current drawings, specifications and build standards.
- Responsible for maintaining and preparing department budgets.
- To investigate and act on quality concerns in conjunction with the Quality team, utilising structured problem-solving methodology and driving robust corrective action.
- Liaise with the Engineering Department on technical matters including production tooling, equipment, jigs, fixtures, test requirements and commissioning support.
- To become involved in other ad hoc tasks as required, including urgent customer, service-support or recovery activities.
Qualifications required
Essential - Educated to Engineering / Manufacturing degree level, or equivalent experience in manufacturing or mechanical engineering. Chartered Institute of Management level 3, or equivalent qualification / experience.
Demonstrable evidence of continuous professional and personal development is required.
Desirable - Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) accreditation, or evidence of working towards achievement.
Experience required
Working as a Production / Manufacturing Manager within marine, heavy mechanical or specialist vehicle / equipment manufacturing, with significant experience of leading a medium-sized workforce (60+). Strong leadership, communication and relationship management skills. Fully conversant with continuous improvement methodology and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-mix, build-to-order environment.
Suitable for someone who
Welcomes responsibility, brings visible energy to the shop floor and performs well under pressure with excellent people management skills. Can plan, coordinate and report while responding quickly to changing priorities. A good negotiator and strong motivator, prepared to meet stretched targets and maintain momentum across multiple workstreams. Good financial awareness. Ready to apply a supportive, hands-on management approach in an intensive operational environment
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Gym membership
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Knighton LD7: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
