At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design and manufacturing teams to drive innovation and operational excellence.
- Company: Join a respected engineering organisation in Bedford undergoing exciting transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits package, and opportunities for impactful leadership.
- Other info: Full-time role with significant investment in growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing with cutting-edge technology and a talented team.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in aerospace or advanced manufacturing required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 £ per year.
Fortress Recruit are now looking for a Head of Manufacturing & Design for a key leadership position within a highly respected engineering and research organisation based in Bedford. Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, this is a rare opportunity to join a specialist engineering organisation undergoing significant investment, transformation and growth.
The successful candidate will lead the Design, Manufacturing Engineering and Production functions, driving operational performance, capability development and continuous improvement across the business. This role will play a key part in shaping the future of the organisation's manufacturing capability through the development of people, processes, technology and infrastructure.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead multidisciplinary teams across design, manufacturing engineering, inspection and production.
- Develop and deliver the Design & Manufacturing strategy aligned to business growth objectives.
- Drive transformational change across people, processes, facilities and technology.
- Ensure engineering design intent is translated effectively into manufacturing capability.
- Champion continuous improvement, operational excellence and the adoption of new technologies.
- Manage budgets, resources, capacity planning and investment programmes.
- Lead workforce development, succession planning and employee engagement initiatives.
- Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
To be considered for this role, you'll have:
- Senior leadership experience within aerospace, defence or advanced manufacturing environments.
- Proven success leading manufacturing, engineering and/or production teams.
- Experience delivering complex engineering programmes to cost, quality and schedule requirements.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing engineering processes, governance and quality standards.
- Demonstrable experience leading change, transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Excellent stakeholder management and people leadership skills.
- Degree qualified in Engineering or equivalent industry experience.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a unique engineering organisation at an exciting stage of its growth journey. Significant investment is being made across facilities, equipment, infrastructure and people, providing the successful candidate with the platform to make a lasting impact on the future direction of the business.
This is a full-time, permanent role based onsite in Bedfordshire. On offer is a salary of £75,000-£80,000 plus an excellent benefits package.
Due to the nature of this role, this is a UK Eyes Only position requiring eligibility to obtain SC clearance (5 years' UK residency without requirement for sponsorship or visa).
To find out more and see a full job description, please click apply to send Becki a copy of your updated CV for review.
Head of Manufacturing and Design in Luton employer: Fortress Recruit Ltd
Join a highly respected engineering and research organisation in Bedford as the Head of Manufacturing & Design, where you will be at the forefront of transformational change and operational excellence. With significant investment in facilities and technology, this role offers a unique opportunity for professional growth and the chance to shape the future of manufacturing capabilities while leading a talented team. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development and engagement, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing and Design in Luton
✨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 Fortress Recruit Ltd, 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 Head of Manufacturing and Design in Luton
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 Fortress Recruit 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 Fortress Recruit Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Fortress Recruit 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 Fortress Recruit 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.
