Factory Manager in Hertford

Cornerstone Project Source Ltd is recruiting on behalf of a leading design and build façade contractor for a Permanent Factory Manager in Hertfordshire. This is a senior role leading the full operational management of a metalwork fabrication factory, planning and overseeing all fabrication jobs from start to finish and reporting to the Managing and Executive Directors.

Start Date: Immediate

Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 per annum + benefits (depending on the individual)

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday - Friday)

Location: Hertfordshire

Type of Work: Management of a metalwork fabrication factory, covering production planning, team leadership, quality, health & safety, and factory budget

Duties:

• Factory Operations & Production Planning: Own daily and weekly planning and scheduling of all fabrication jobs, including staff, materials, machinery and deliveries. Progress new jobs through all stages of manufacture, ensuring on-time completion and efficient use of work/machine hours. Carry out quality control at all stages of manufacture in line with the company Quality Management System. Monitor, manage and continuously improve factory productivity against defined KPIs, reporting performance to the Managing and Executive Directors. Produce clear quotations for metalwork where required, and liaise with clients and other departments on production capability and timelines.
• Team Leadership & People Management: Lead, manage and develop a factory team of 5-8 people, acting as a visible example of company standards and culture. Take full accountability for the wellbeing, conduct and performance of the factory team, including recruitment, induction, training, appraisals and disciplinary matters in conjunction with HR. Manage and oversee the factory Drafter (direct report), reviewing and signing off drawings and specifications before they proceed to production. Plan staff resourcing and rotas to meet production demand, including cover for absence and peak workload periods. Coach, mentor and develop team members, including identifying and developing future supervisors. Implement and champion company work culture, procedures and standards, and manage change within the factory team.
• Health, Safety & Compliance: Take ownership of Health & Safety within the factory, ensuring strict adherence to UK H&S law and company policy. Carry out and record regular risk assessments, safety inspections and toolbox talks. Investigate any accidents, near misses or non-conformances and implement corrective actions. Ensure machinery, equipment and the working environment are properly maintained, inspected and fit for purpose.
• Business Performance & Continuous Improvement: Manage the factory operating budget, monitoring costs against targets and identifying efficiency and cost-saving opportunities. Drive continuous improvement initiatives across process, quality and productivity, using data and KPI measures. Report regularly to the Managing and Executive Directors on factory performance, risks and improvement opportunities. Manage relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors relevant to factory operations.
• Facilities & Equipment: Ensure good upkeep, cleanliness and continuous improvement of the factory working environment. Plan and oversee routine inspection, maintenance and calibration of factory machinery and equipment. Manage machinery/equipment procurement and capital expenditure proposals as required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a role directly linked to the manufacture of sheet or profile metalwork, including proven supervisory or management experience.
• Strong, verifiable background in sheet metal or profile metal manufacturing/fabrication.
• Qualification in metal manufacturing or related operations, and H&S training or qualification.
• Strong, demonstrable knowledge of technical drawings and metalwork specifications.
• Capability to operate, and to train others on, CNC metalworking machinery.
• Proven team leadership and people management skills, with personal accountability for the wellbeing and performance of a team.
• Strong work, staff, materials and machinery planning and scheduling skills.
• Advanced user level of MS Excel and similar spreadsheet software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Own method of transport and ability to commute to the site in Little Hadham, Hertfordshire.
• Ability to remain on your feet on the factory floor for a full working day, and to safely lift maximum weights permitted under UK H&S legislation.
• Right to work in the United Kingdom.

Desirable Experience:

• Knowledge of 2D or 3D sheet metal/profile metal nesting or CNC programming software.
• Knowledge of alloy and black metal welding.
• Experience manufacturing metal-based products for the construction industry.
• First Aid training.

Package / Benefits:

• Staged pay increase and Performance Bonus scheme.
• Company pension scheme.
• Free on-site parking at the factory.
• In-work training and education for new skills.
• Employee Assistance Program and Mental Health support.
• Employee Welfare Program.
• Paid birthday day off.

Working Pattern: Monday - Friday, in person at the factory, with on-site presence required across the full working week. 6-month probationary period.

If you are interested, please send your CV for consideration.