At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire our Machining Operations team to achieve excellence in manufacturing.
- Company: Join Howden Turbo UK, a legacy engineering firm with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, a pension plan, and health benefits including free counselling.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team driving cleaner energy solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable technology while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing and a passion for continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced and inspiring Manufacturing Manager to lead our Machining Operations in Peterborough.
Reporting into the Operations Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our Manufacturing function delivers outstanding performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost and customer satisfaction.
This is a hands-on leadership position where you will champion a strong safety culture, drive operational excellence and continuous improvement, and develop a high-performing team capable of supporting both new build and aftermarket requirements.
Working closely with colleagues across Operations, Engineering, Production Engineering, Supply Chain and Project Management, you will help shape and deliver the Manufacturing strategy while ensuring customer commitments are consistently achieved.
As a key member of the Operations Management Team, you'll have the opportunity to influence business performance, enhance manufacturing capability, improve efficiency, and invest in the future development of both our people and processes.
About Us
Howden Turbo UK - formerly Peter Brotherhood - is a long-established engineering business with over 150 years of heritage in the design, manufacture and servicing of steam turbines and high-integrity rotating equipment.
From our Peterborough site, we support customers across power generation, defence, marine and industrial markets, delivering engineered solutions where reliability and performance are critical.
Now part of Howden and the wider Chart Industries group, we combine deep local expertise with the scale and innovation of a global engineering leader.
This gives our teams the opportunity to work on complex, high-value projects while contributing to Chart’s Nexus of Clean™ mission, supporting cleaner energy, improved efficiency and reduced emissions worldwide.
Joining our Peterborough operation means becoming part of a skilled, collaborative team where heritage meets innovation, and where your work directly supports the future of sustainable industrial technology.
What You Will Do
- Lead and manage the Manufacturing function, with specific accountability for Machining operations.
- Champion a culture of safety, wellbeing and environmental responsibility, driving a zero-accident mindset across the team.
- Ensure products are delivered on time, to the required quality standards and within agreed cost targets.
- Develop, coach and lead a high-performing team, including supervisors, skilled operators and apprentices.
- Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives, lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma and Kaizen methodologies.
- Collaborate closely with Project Management, Engineering, Production Engineering, Supply Chain and other key stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of customer projects.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators, ensuring objectives and operational targets are achieved.
Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, lower costs and increase profitability while maintaining quality and delivery performance.
- Support capacity planning, forecasting and resource management activities to ensure efficient utilisation of manufacturing capability.
- Ensure machinery, equipment and facilities are maintained effectively to maximise productivity and operational reliability.
- Introduce and develop measures such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) to drive data-led decision making.
- Prepare and support business cases for capital investment, equipment upgrades and manufacturing modernisation initiatives.
- Manage departmental budgets and resources effectively to support operational and strategic objectives.
- Lead problem-solving activities, challenge existing processes and implement innovative solutions that improve business performance.
- Support the development and execution of the Operations strategy while contributing to wider business objectives and group initiatives.
- Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, customer expectations, industry developments and regulatory requirements to ensure continued competitiveness.
What Do You Bring?
An ideal candidate would likely have the following profile
- Proven leadership experience within a manufacturing, production or engineering environment.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning and operational performance management.
- Demonstrable experience managing safety, quality and regulatory compliance, ideally supported by an IOSH qualification or willingness to obtain one.
- Experience delivering both new build and aftermarket products within a complex engineering or industrial environment.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong project management awareness, including experience participating in project reviews and managing delivery priorities.
- Experience leading, coaching and developing teams, with a passion for building high-performing and engaged workforces.
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation.
- Commercial awareness with an understanding of budgets, operational finance, KPIs and resource planning.
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional service and operational performance.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, with a proactive approach to overcoming challenges and implementing improvements.
- A collaborative, team-oriented leadership style with the confidence to challenge existing practices and drive positive change.
- Fluent English language skills, both written and verbal.
We’ve put together some criteria that we think is important for this role, but don’t worry if your experience and expertise isn’t an exact match.
If you feel that you can add value to our role and to Howden more broadly, we would welcome your application and be eager to learn more about you.
Our Benefits
This is a permanent position based at our office in Peterborough, including an early finish on Friday. Our range of fantastic benefits includes:
- Generous holiday entitlement package totalling 33 days annual leave
- Howden Pension Plan with a maximum employer contribution of 7%
- Company electric vehicle scheme through salary sacrifice
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, shared parental and adoption leave pay
- Free onsite parking
- Healthcare cash plan
- Group Life Assurance plan at 3x salary
- Group Income Protection plan
- Access to My Howden Benefits & Wellbeing Portal - Cycle2Work programme, range of discounts across various retailers, employee assistance programme, wealth of information to support health & wellbeing
- Dedicated Spark Service - free counselling, physiotherapy, financial support, medical second opinion, remote GP, personal training, nutrition consultations etc
- Financial planning & mortgage support
- Opportunity to be involved in our ESG ‘Bright Future’ initiatives - STEM ambassador & volunteering
Manufacturing Manager in Peterborough employer: Chart Industries
Howden is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, providing employees with the opportunity to lead impactful finance projects in a dynamic environment. With a focus on professional growth, employees benefit from ongoing training and development, as well as the chance to work closely with experienced professionals in both Milton Keynes and London. The company's commitment to employee well-being and a supportive atmosphere makes it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful careers in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Manager in Peterborough
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Chart Industries, 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 Manufacturing Manager in Peterborough
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 Chart Industries 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 Chart Industries
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Chart Industries, 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 Chart Industries 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.
