Head of Manufacturing ACO Technologies in Shefford
Head of Manufacturing ACO Technologies

Head of Manufacturing ACO Technologies in Shefford

Shefford Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Go Premium
ACO Technologies plc

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop manufacturing teams, driving efficiency and quality across multiple sites.
  • Company: Join ACO Technologies, a global leader in sustainable drainage systems.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, private health care, and generous annual leave.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-stakes role with opportunities for growth.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing, lean expertise, and strong communication skills.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Join ACO Technologies as our Head of Manufacturing, leading multisite operations and driving world-class efficiency, quality, and safety. This is a high-impact role for a strategic, hands-on leader who can elevate performance and support our ambitious growth plans.

What you’ll do:

  • Lead and develop manufacturing teams across multiple sites.
  • Drive operational excellence, Lean improvements, and consistent production standards.
  • Oversee daily operations for polymer concrete, plastic, and building drainage products.
  • Ensure safety, quality, cost control, and schedule adherence.
  • Standardise processes and KPIs across all locations.
  • Own manufacturing budgets and support automation and CAPEX projects.
  • Partner closely with Engineering, Quality, and HSE to optimise performance.

What you’ll be measured on:

  • OTIF and production efficiency
  • Quality performance and scrap reduction
  • Cost and labour control
  • Safety compliance
  • Productivity and CI gains
  • Employee engagement
  • Waste reduction

About you:

A proven leader with strong manufacturing expertise, Lean experience, multisite capability, and the drive to deliver results. Someone who thrives on improvement, leads with integrity, and builds high-performing teams, with the following skills and experience:

  • Proven experience in a senior manufacturing leadership role within a complex engineering or industrial environment.
  • Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related discipline.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving.
  • Results-driven with a focus on operational excellence.
  • Ability to lead change and inspire teams.
  • Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen.

We offer:

A collaborative and inclusive work environment, extensive training, opportunities for career progression and a competitive benefits package, which includes:

  • Competitive salaries
  • Private Health Care
  • Up to 28 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
  • Personal pension schemes with high employer contributions
  • Company car & car cash schemes
  • Employee Assistance Programmes plus much more

Full details of the job role are available in the role description attached. Applications should be made online via the recruitment portal or for further information contact Becky Cornfoot on bcornfoot@aco.co.uk.

About us:

ACO is a global leader in designing and manufacturing sustainable drainage systems. ACO Technologies plc, part of the ACO Group, serves as the Company for the UK & Ireland. There are two major divisions: ACO Water Management and ACO Building Drainage. With a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation, ACO provides advanced solutions for managing surface water, ensuring efficient and safe water flow in various applications. Our expertise spans across multiple sectors, including commercial, industrial, residential, and infrastructure projects, where we continually strive to improve water management and protect natural resources.

Working at ACO is working in a culture of entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and high standards with the freedom to create your own job satisfaction through ownership and continuous improvement. Openness and honesty are key characteristics to working at ACO as this creates a friendly, flexible environment where colleagues are keen to share information and work together to achieve the best results.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion:

Equality, diversity, and inclusion holds significant importance to us; we have a culture of belonging. We are committed to enhancing the diversity of our workforce to ensure we can provide the best service possible for everyone. Beyond your professional background - we’re interested in your individuality and your future potential. If there are specific adjustments needed in our recruitment process that would help you to be your best, please speak to our team and they’ll be happy to help.

Head of Manufacturing ACO Technologies in Shefford employer: ACO Technologies plc

At ACO Technologies, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation and high standards. As the Head of Manufacturing, you will benefit from extensive training, career progression opportunities, and a competitive benefits package, including private health care and generous annual leave. Our culture encourages ownership and continuous improvement, ensuring that every employee can contribute to our mission of sustainable drainage solutions while enjoying a friendly and flexible workplace.
ACO Technologies plc

Contact Detail:

ACO Technologies plc Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing ACO Technologies in Shefford

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching ACO Technologies thoroughly. Understand their products, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and led teams to success. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining ACO Technologies and being part of our innovative team.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing ACO Technologies in Shefford

Manufacturing Leadership
Lean Manufacturing
Six Sigma
Continuous Improvement
Operational Excellence
Budget Management
Stakeholder Management
Strategic Thinking
Problem-Solving
Team Development
Safety Compliance
Cost Control
Production Efficiency
Commercial Awareness
Financial Acumen

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership roles, lean manufacturing expertise, and any relevant achievements that align with what we’re looking for.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Manufacturing role. Share your passion for operational excellence and how your strategic thinking can drive our ambitious growth plans.

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific results you've achieved in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact on efficiency, quality, and safety – we love numbers!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our recruitment portal! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at ACO Technologies.

How to prepare for a job interview at ACO Technologies plc

✨Know Your Lean Manufacturing Inside Out

As a candidate for the Head of Manufacturing role, it's crucial to demonstrate your expertise in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies. Brush up on specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully implemented these strategies to drive efficiency and quality.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

This role requires a strategic leader who can inspire teams across multiple sites. Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've built high-performing teams. Highlight your ability to lead change and engage employees in the process.

✨Understand ACO's Values and Culture

Familiarise yourself with ACO Technologies' commitment to sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their culture of openness and honesty.

✨Prepare for Financial Discussions

Since you'll be owning manufacturing budgets, it's essential to showcase your financial acumen. Be ready to discuss how you've managed costs and improved profitability in previous roles. Bring specific metrics or KPIs that demonstrate your success in cost control and operational excellence.

Head of Manufacturing ACO Technologies in Shefford
ACO Technologies plc
Location: Shefford
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>