At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead continuous improvement initiatives to boost productivity and operational performance.
- Company: Join Dekko, a top UK manufacturer of premium windows and doors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with a focus on personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic manufacturing environment focused on innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in continuous improvement and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Over the past 16 years, Dekko has established itself as one of the United Kingdom's leading suppliers and manufacturers of high-quality fenestration products. Dekko Window Systems operates across multiple sectors, supporting both installers and homeowners by delivering premium windows and doors. As specialists in PVCu fabrication, Dekko also manufactures an extensive portfolio of aluminium and composite products. We work in close partnership with housebuilders and architects, offering high-performance solutions and industry expertise to all our customers.
Since 2022, Dekko Window Systems has been part of Inwido. Inwido enhances people's indoor living environments through innovative window and door solutions. As Europe's leading window group, Inwido's business concept is to develop and supply the market's best customised window and door products through a decentralised structure, with a strong focus on the consumer-driven market to ensure long-term sustainable growth, both organically and through acquisitions.
Inwido comprises 35 business units and approximately 4,700 employees across twelve countries. In 2024, group sales reached SEK 8.8 billion, with an operating EBITA margin of 10.8 percent. Inwido has been listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 2014.
THE ROLE
Dekko Window Systems is entering an exciting phase of operational development as we continue to strengthen our manufacturing capability as part of the Inwido Group, Europe's leading window manufacturer. We are seeking a Manufacturing Optimisation Manager to be based from our Ashton-under-Lyne location to help shape and embed a structured Continuous Improvement framework across our manufacturing operation. This is a high-impact role focused on improving productivity, efficiency and operational performance through data-driven decision making, structured problem solving and the development of strong Continuous Improvement capability across the business.
The Manufacturing Optimisation Manager will lead the design, development and embedding of a structured Continuous Improvement framework across Manufacturing. This role will establish the operating systems, governance and cultural foundations required to drive sustainable performance improvement across productivity, quality, safety, service and cost. Operating at both strategic and operational levels, the role will combine hands‐on problem solving with long-term capability building. The postholder will work through influence rather than direct line management authority, partnering closely with Production, Planning, Quality and Engineering to unlock performance. This is a high-impact, change-led role that will shape how operational excellence is defined, delivered and sustained at Dekko.
Shift Pattern/Working Hours
Monday to Thursday, 8.30 – 16.30
Friday 08.30 – 16.00
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performance Leadership
- Drive measurable daily, weekly and monthly performance improvements across manufacturing operations.
- Establish robust KPI visibility and performance routines across throughput, labour efficiency, right-first-time, waste, downtime and OTIF.
- Lead structured problem‐solving activity using recognised methodologies including 5 Whys, Ishikawa, A3 and Root Cause Analysis.
- Ensure data-driven decision making becomes embedded within operational leadership.
- Operational Excellence
- Evaluate production flow, constraints and bottlenecks to maximise efficiency and stability.
- Conduct time studies, capacity analysis and line-balancing reviews to validate improvement opportunities.
- Partner with Planning to optimise labour deployment and machine utilisation.
- Support automation and equipment enhancement initiatives that deliver measurable gains in productivity and quality.
- Introduce standard work, visual management and process control mechanisms to improve repeatability and reduce variation.
- People & Culture
- Coach and mentor team leaders and managers in continuous improvement tools and behaviours.
- Promote a culture of accountability, transparency and fact-based decision making.
- Influence and guide leadership and teams through change, managing resistance constructively and professionally.
- Communicate CI progress, successes and learning to build engagement and momentum.
- Embed a culture where improvement is owned at all levels, not dependent on a single function.
- Build the CI Function
- Develop and implement a structured CI strategy, roadmap and maturity model aligned to Dekko's growth ambitions.
- Establish CI governance, tools, templates and reporting standards.
- Create a clear improvement pipeline and prioritisation methodology.
- Embed CI capability through training materials, coaching frameworks and onboarding support.
- Develop internal CI champions to support long-term cultural sustainability.
- Lead Improvement Projects
- Identify, prioritise and deliver high-impact improvement initiatives across production, quality, logistics and support functions.
- Lead cross-functional teams through structured Kaizen and improvement workshops.
- Apply Lean and problem-solving tools including 5S, SMED, VSM, Standard Work and waste elimination methodologies.
- Quantify, validate and report tangible benefits including cost reduction, scrap reduction, service improvement, labour efficiency and capacity gain.
- Process Standardisation & Governance
- Document and standardise critical manufacturing processes and SOPs.
- Implement audit mechanisms to ensure improvements are sustained and embedded.
- Drive accountability for adherence to standard work and operational discipline.
- Change Leadership and Culture
- Influence and guide leaders and teams through operational change.
- Promote transparency, performance ownership and structured problem solving.
- Build a culture of continuous learning, accountability and operational excellence.
- Communicate CI successes and progress to reinforce engagement and momentum.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Proven experience in a Continuous Improvement, Lean, Operational Excellence or Manufacturing Performance role.
- Demonstrable experience building or embedding CI fundamentals including systems, governance and cultural change.
- Strong working knowledge of Lean tools including Kaizen, 5S, SMED, VSM and Standard Work.
- Strong analytical capability with a data-driven approach to decision making.
- Experience leading structured workshops and influencing stakeholders at all organisational levels.
- Excellent communication, coaching and facilitation skills.
- Strong project management capability with a track record of delivering measurable results.
- Experience within high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Experience implementing OEE systems or digital performance tools.
- Exposure to ISO standards, quality systems, health and safety and regulatory compliance frameworks.
Key Behaviours
- Hands‐on and action-oriented.
- Collaborative and influential.
- Resilient with strong change leadership capability.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into practical delivery.
- Passionate about developing people and building sustainable operational excellence.
Manufacturing Optimisation Manager in Ashton in Makerfield employer: Dekko Window Systems Ltd
Dekko Window Systems is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Ashton-under-Lyne where innovation and continuous improvement are at the forefront of our operations. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth through coaching and mentorship, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration. Join us to be part of a leading manufacturer that values your contributions and supports your career journey in the thriving fenestration industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Optimisation Manager in Ashton in Makerfield
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨Leverage the Power of Internships
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We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Optimisation Manager in Ashton in Makerfield
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 Dekko Window Systems Ltd 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 Dekko Window Systems Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Dekko Window Systems Ltd, 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 Dekko Window Systems Ltd 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.
