At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a manufacturing unit, driving safety, efficiency, and quality in operations.
- Company: ABB, a top employer dedicated to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, generous leave, and private medical cover.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of industries.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and leadership experience in manufacturing required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.
This position reports to: Regional Operations Manager.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to take full ownership of our manufacturing unit in Coleshill (UK) – covering Production, Planning, Maintenance, Customer Service, Procurement, Quality, Operational Excellence and Logistics. As a member of the newly formed ELIP EMEA Operations Leadership Team, you will not only run your site, but actively shape common standards, KPIs and ways of working across our European manufacturing network. Each day, you will lead your teams to deliver safely, on time, in the right quality and at competitive cost.
The work model for the role is: onsite, with the option of working from home in line with site-specific guidelines.
Our Team Dynamics
Our teams support each other, collaborate, and never stop learning. Everyone brings something unique, and together we push ideas forward to solve real problems. Being part of our team means your work matters - because the progress we make here creates real impact out there.
What’s in it for you?
We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.
Your Role and Responsibilities
- Safety first: Being accountable for the health and safety of all employees and contractors at the site, driving a strong safety culture, accident prevention and continuous improvement of HSE and environmental performance, including waste reduction.
- Operational Excellence: Initiating and leading improvement programs and projects that increase efficiency and resource utilization; implementing and sharing best practices within the EMEA network.
- Site performance and financials: Running the unit in line with budget and annual targets; preparing the operating budget and investment plan (CAPEX); driving gross margin, productivity and cost optimization.
- Customer delivery: Securing on-time delivery (SOTD/ROTD), lead time and fulfilment performance in close cooperation with Demand Planning, Customer Service and Logistics.
- Quality: Executing the business quality strategy, ensuring day-to-day process control and reducing scrap, cost of poor quality and customer complaints (CCRP) through structured problem solving.
- Working capital: Managing inventory and material flow to improve inventory turns without compromising delivery performance.
- EMEA collaboration: Implementing the global and EMEA manufacturing strategy at the site, contributing to strategy development, harmonizing processes, reporting and KPIs, and supporting footprint, localization, product portfolio and system harmonization initiatives.
- People leadership: Leading, developing and coaching the site organization; ensuring the unit is properly organized, staffed and skilled; making recruitment and staffing decisions together with HR.
- Compliance and representation: Ensuring compliance with the ABB Code of Conduct, integrity standards, laws, norms and regulations applicable to the site; representing the unit towards internal stakeholders, authorities and third parties.
Qualifications for the Role
- Solid degree in Engineering or a comparable technical field (e.g. Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial Engineering; Bachelor/Master, Dipl.-Ing., HF/FH).
- Several years of leadership experience in manufacturing / operations, ideally as plant, unit or operations manager in series production; experience in extrusion, injection molding and/or metal processing is a strong advantage.
- Solid knowledge of Lean / Operational Excellence, supply chain and inventory management, as well as quality management systems according to ISO 9001.
- Hands-on experience with SAP is a must.
- Experience with further ISO management system standards is a strong advantage.
- Proven track record in improving safety, delivery, quality and cost performance and making results transparent through KPIs.
- Experience with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 is a strong advantage.
- Experience in leading changes and implementing common standards across sites or countries is a strong plus.
- A credible, trustworthy and hands-on leader with strong communication and integration skills, who takes initiative and develops people and ideas.
- Fluent in English, written and spoken; additional languages are an advantage.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Competitive contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Flexible benefits scheme (Includes options to buy/sell holidays, health checks, dental, eye care, gym memberships, cycle to work, gadget discounts and more)
- Internal mobility opportunities, mentorships & access to projects globally
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Generous employee referral scheme
- Company car
- Private medical cover for yourself and partner
- Generous bonus scheme
For the 6th consecutive year ABB UK has been recognised as a Top Employer in UK. Being certified as a Top Employer showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work and exhibits this through excellent HR policies and people practices.
More about us
ABB Installation Products Division helps manage the connection, protection and distribution of electrical power from source to socket. The Division’s products are engineered to provide ease of installation and perform in demanding and harsh conditions, helping to ensure safety and continuous operation for utilities, businesses and people around the world.
The Commercial Essentials product segment includes electrical junction boxes, commercial fittings, strut and cable tray metal framing systems for commercial and residential construction. The Premier Industrial product segment includes multiple product lines, such as Ty-Rap® cable ties, T&B Liquidtight Systems® protection products, PVC coated and nylon conduit systems, power connection and grounding systems, and cable protection systems of conduits and fittings for harsh and industrial applications.
The Division also manufactures solutions for medium-voltage applications used in the utility market under its marquee brands including Elastimold™ reclosers and switchgear, capacitor switches, current limiting fuses, Homac™ distribution connectors, Hi-Tech Valiant™ full-range current limiting fuse for fire mitigation, faulted current indicators and distribution connectors, cable accessories and apparatus with products for overhead and underground distribution. Manufacturing includes made-to-stock and custom-made solutions.
Join us. Be part of the team where progress happens, industries transform, and your work shapes the world. Run What Runs the World.
#RunwithABB Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences. Ready to make an impact? Apply today or visit to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.
Unit Manager in Coleshill employer: B&R Industrial Automation GmbH
At ABB, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to lead and grow. Located in Stonehouse, our team thrives on continuous learning and strong relationships, ensuring that every contribution makes a real impact in the world of industrial digital transformation. With competitive benefits, internal mobility opportunities, and recognition as a Top Employer, ABB is dedicated to supporting your professional journey while you help run what runs the world.
Contact Details:
B&R Industrial Automation GmbH Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Unit Manager in Coleshill
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like B&R Industrial Automation GmbH, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Unit Manager in Coleshill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to B&R Industrial Automation GmbH specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at B&R Industrial Automation GmbH
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with B&R Industrial Automation GmbH, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like B&R Industrial Automation GmbH value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
