Manufacturing Group Manager in Norwich

Application Deadline

Department

Operations - Manufacturing

Location

• Norwich, United Kingdom
• Description

Ansible Motion is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Group Manager to lead and develop our manufacturing function as we continue to grow and deliver world‑leading Driver‑in‑the‑Loop simulator systems.

This is a hands‑on leadership role responsible for managing our manufacturing teams, developing manufacturing capability and ensuring the successful delivery of multiple concurrent projects.

The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of manufacturing operations, including production planning, assembly, stock control, process improvement, resource management and operational performance.

The Manufacturing Group Manager will lead a multi‑disciplinary manufacturing team comprising Planning, Stock Control, Mechanical Assembly, Electrical Assembly and Systems Assembly.

Working closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement and Project Management teams, you will ensure the efficient manufacture and delivery of highly complex simulator systems to customers around the world.

A key aspect of the role will be driving the effective use of our ERP platform across the manufacturing organisation, ensuring accurate data, robust processes, inventory control and operational visibility.

You will champion continuous improvement initiatives and help develop the manufacturing capability needed to support future business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities Leadership

• Lead and manage the Manufacturing Group and its constituent teams.
• Create a positive, collaborative and high‑performing working environment.
• Develop team capability through coaching, mentoring and performance management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Support business growth through effective management of manufacturing resources and capability.
• Build strong working relationships across Engineering, Procurement, Supply Chain and Project Management functions.
• Manufacturing Operations
• Manage the production and assembly of multiple large‑scale simulator systems.
• Ensure manufacturing activities are delivered safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards.
• Coordinate resources, materials and facilities to meet project and production schedules.
• Monitor manufacturing performance and address operational challenges proactively.
• Support effective capacity planning and workload management.
• Ensure manufacturing objectives are aligned with wider business goals.
• ERP and Process Management
• Drive effective adoption and utilisation of ERP processes across manufacturing operations.
• Ensure production orders, bills of materials, routings and inventory transactions are accurately maintained.
• Promote data accuracy, process compliance and best practice system usage.
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure ERP data supports efficient manufacturing execution.
• Use ERP reporting and management information to support operational decision making.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, visibility and operational performance through system and process improvements.
• Planning and Delivery
• Plan and prioritise manufacturing activities to meet customer and project requirements.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and stakeholders to support successful product delivery.
• Monitor production schedules and resolve bottlenecks where required.
• Support risk management and contingency planning within manufacturing operations.
• Ensure resources and materials are available to support agreed delivery plans.
• Quality and Continuous Improvement
• Lead manufacturing process improvement initiatives.
• Develop and implement new processes, procedures and best practices.
• Drive quality, efficiency and productivity improvements across the manufacturing operation.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Promote Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies where appropriate.
• Monitor key performance indicators and identify opportunities for operational enhancement.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Experience in a leadership role within a manufacturing, production or operations environment.
• Proven people management and leadership capability.
• Experience working within high‑technology, engineering or advanced manufacturing businesses.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems within manufacturing operations.
• Strong understanding of production planning, inventory management, work orders and manufacturing processes.
• Experience driving process compliance and operational improvements.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, particularly Excel.
• Experience working with project management tools.

Desirable

• Experience working with IFS ERP.
• Experience using Wrike or similar project management software.
• Knowledge of Bills of Materials (BOMs), Routings and Manufacturing Master Data.
• Health & Safety qualification such as IOSH or NEBOSH.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience within automotive, motorsport, simulation or advanced technology environments.

Person Specification

• Strong and approachable leader who can motivate and develop teams.
• Highly organised and capable of balancing strategic priorities with day‑to‑day operational management.
• Results‑driven with a strong focus on delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborative and capable of influencing stakeholders across multiple departments.
• Practical and hands‑on approach to problem solving.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a desire to optimise processes and performance.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced engineering and technology environment.
• Commercially aware and focused on achieving business objectives.
• Passionate about developing people, improving operations and building a high‑performing manufacturing function.
• Collaborating with Engineering, Procurement, Supply Chain and Project Management functions.
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