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- Tasks: Lead and transform manufacturing operations, driving excellence and innovation.
- Company: Join Gentex Europe, a dynamic leader in mission-critical innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy leadership development, career progression, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative culture that values performance and innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or operations with 8+ years of leadership experience.
- Other info: Full line management responsibility with opportunities for continuous development.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Manufacturing Operations Manager – Gentex Europe
Location: Haydock, UK with 25% travel to Letchworth
Gentex Europe, part of the global Gentex Corporation, seeks an accomplished Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead our UK manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence across our Haydock and Letchworth facilities. This is a high‑profile leadership role focused on shaping the future of our manufacturing capability, leading a multi‑skilled team, and delivering safe, efficient, and high‑quality production to support our aerospace, defence, and industrial customer base.
This role goes beyond day‑to‑day operations — it’s about driving transformation, continuous improvement, and building a high‑performing manufacturing culture. You will set strategic direction, optimise production capabilities, and ensure operations consistently deliver on quality, cost, and delivery expectations.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead manufacturing operations across the UK, aligning performance with Gentex Europe’s business objectives.
- Build and embed a Lean culture, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence through structured transformation initiatives.
- Deliver against operational KPIs for safety, quality, on‑time delivery, cost, and productivity.
- Oversee financial performance, optimizing labour, material, and overhead costs to maximise operational efficiency.
- Drive collaboration across functions, partnering with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Customer Service to meet customer expectations.
- Lead site resource planning, production scheduling, and capacity modelling to support strategic growth.
- Manage CAPEX planning and implementation for new production lines and automation investments.
- Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, AS9100D, health & safety, environmental, and export control regulations.
- Champion talent development by leading, coaching, and building capability within production teams, supervisors, and support functions.
What You’ll Bring
The ideal candidate is a strategic operations leader with a proven track record of transforming manufacturing performance in complex, fast‑paced environments. You should thrive on solving challenges, driving innovation, and empowering teams to deliver their best.
- Degree‑level education or equivalent in engineering, operations, or related discipline.
- 8+ years’ progressive leadership experience within manufacturing operations, preferably in aerospace, defence, or other high‑specification sectors.
- Demonstrated success in leading high‑performing teams, improving productivity, and embedding operational excellence.
- Strong background in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement principles (certification desirable).
- Proven experience introducing new production lines and technologies from concept to implementation, including capex planning and workforce upskilling.
- In‑depth knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100D, and quality compliance frameworks.
- Proficiency in SAP S/4HANA (or similar ERP systems) and confident with operational analytics and reporting tools.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to partner across all levels of the organisation.
Leadership & Team
You’ll have full line management responsibility for Production Managers, Supervisors, and a wider manufacturing workforce. You’ll set the tone for a high‑performance culture built on trust, accountability, and continuous development.
Why Gentex?
At Gentex Europe, you’ll be part of a dynamic, ambitious organisation backed by a global leader in mission‑critical innovation. We combine global expertise with the agility of a local business, offering autonomy to make an impact while benefiting from world‑class resources and investment.
We offer:
- Significant influence over manufacturing strategy and transformation
- Opportunities for leadership development and career progression
- Exposure to cutting‑edge manufacturing technologies and automation initiatives
- A collaborative culture where performance and innovation are recognised
At Gentex, we celebrate difference and support our employees, products, and community.
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Manufacturing Operations Manager employer: Gentex Corp
Contact Detail:
Gentex Corp Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than a CV.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around operational excellence and team leadership. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Manufacturing Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading teams, driving operational excellence, and any relevant certifications like Lean or Six Sigma. We want to see how your background aligns with our goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about manufacturing and how you can contribute to our team. Share specific examples of your achievements in previous roles that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Manufacturing Operations Manager, leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your experience in managing teams and driving transformation. We love to see how you've empowered others and fostered a high-performance culture in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Gentex Europe!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gentex Corp
✨Know Your Manufacturing Metrics
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to manufacturing operations, such as safety, quality, and productivity. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully met or exceeded these metrics in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Lean Expertise
Prepare examples of how you've implemented Lean principles or Six Sigma methodologies in past positions. Highlight specific transformation initiatives you've led and the impact they had on operational excellence.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of instances where you've partnered with other departments like Supply Chain or Engineering. Be prepared to explain how you fostered collaboration to meet customer expectations and drive efficiency.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Team Development
Share your approach to building high-performing teams. Discuss how you've coached and developed talent within your teams, and be ready to talk about your leadership style and how it aligns with Gentex's culture.