Are you a manufacturing leader passionate about driving safety, quality, and operational excellence while developing high‑performing teams? Then join us in our mission to pioneer smarter solutions for moving and transforming water, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing quality of life for people. As our new Autonomous Production Unit Manager, you will be leading an Autonomous Production Unit (APU) end‑to‑end, driving SQDICP performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, Cost, and People while coaching supervisors, team leaders, and operators to deliver outstanding results. You'll be part of a diverse, supportive and inclusive culture, that celebrates our differences and puts people first by fostering growth, well‑being, and a sense of belonging.
What you will be doing
- Drive and manage SQDICP performance across the APU, ensuring daily production targets are met while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards
- Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors, team leaders, and operators to build a multi‑skilled, engaged, and high‑performing team
- Champion a safe behaviours culture and ensure full compliance with EHS regulations, risk assessments, and company procedures
- Drive continuous improvement through Lean principles, GPS initiatives, 5S discipline, and systematic elimination of waste
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and HR to ensure product quality, production flow, and strategic alignment
- Translate plant strategy into clear operational actions and lead problem‑solving, escalation handling, and production projects
Qualifications
- 3+ years of leadership experience in a plant or manufacturing environment, including managing teams and operational processes
- Six Sigma Lean Green Belt certification or equivalent, with demonstrated experience in continuous improvement and waste elimination
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations best practices, including MPS processes, safety risk assessment, and P&L fundamentals
- Proven ability to lead and develop multi‑skilled teams with a focus on performance, engagement, and operational discipline
- A Master's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field
- Experience with performance management frameworks, structured training programs, and stakeholder management
- Strong understanding of industrial safety, quality compliance, and Lean/continuous improvement methodologies including standardisation and flow optimisation
Benefits
- A working environment built around your needs, with flexible hours, home working opportunities and parental support
- Three days’ additional paid leave for volunteering in your community
- Access to on‑demand training and learning sessions and carefully structured programmes to pursue personal and professional development opportunities
Diversity and Inclusion
In our recruitment process we welcome all professional people without consideration of age, colour, gender identity, national origin, physical or mental disability, ethnicity or religion.
Autonomous Production Unit (APU) Manager in Sunderland employer: Grundfos GmbH
At Grundfos GmbH, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the growth and well-being of our employees. Located in Leighton Buzzard, we offer a hybrid work environment that promotes flexibility and work-life balance, alongside comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional development. Our inclusive work culture encourages collaboration and innovation, making it a rewarding place to build your HR career while contributing to a positive employee experience.
