Manufacturing Controller Lineside in Bolton

This role is embedded directly on the production line, supporting real-time manufacturing activity. Our client, a trusted partner to the UK's Ministry of Defence, seeks an experienced Manufacturing Controller (lineside focused) to join their Bolton facility. You'll manage the loading, control, and monitoring of work packages in a high-tech environment, applying lean principles such as Kanban and two-bin systems to maintain inventory flow and prevent shortages. Proven experience in stores management, production lineside operations, or manufacturing control is essential, along with strong attention to detail and a focus on operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apply manufacturing control processes and demonstrate proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP.
• Manage inventory operations, including issuing, receiving, and maintaining stock within a structured stores environment.
• Oversee stock control and storekeeping, ensuring compliance and monitoring of critical shelf-life items.
• Load manufacturing cells with scheduled jobs, aligning with lead times, cycle times, and delivery targets.
• Support packing operations using hand tools and manage tooling for issue and return.
• Execute kitting activities by assembling and preparing components for efficient production.
• Safely load and unload goods vehicles, ensuring accurate documentation and smooth material flow.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles by using Kanban and two-bin systems to manage inventory, ensuring smooth material availability and preventing shortages on the production line.

What do you need?

• Proven experience in manufacturing control and stores operations within a steady-paced production environment.
• Flexible and reliable, with the ability to follow detailed instructions and adapt to varying shift patterns.
• Strong attention to detail and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Trained in manual handling and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) procedures to ensure safe and compliant material handling.
• Certified in lifting and slinging operations, including the use of overhead cranes for safe movement of heavy components.

Desirable skills:

• Demonstrated experience in line-side stores and manufacturing control environments (note: general warehousing experience not applicable).
• Proficient in PC-based tasks, including strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for inventory tracking and reporting.
• Holds a valid Forklift Truck (FLT) licence and up-to-date medical clearance for operating material handling equipment.
• Familiar with lean manufacturing principles, including Kanban and two-bin systems for efficient stock replenishment.
• Experienced in using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP for inventory management and production support.

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by our client's Security Team.

What happens now?

Upon submission of your application, should it meet our selection criteria, you will be contacted via e-mail by one of our talent acquisition specialists to arrange a screening call. This telephone chat is structured to explore a series of questions aimed at matching your competencies and capabilities to the specific demands of the position. Please note, this screening is contingent upon the initial success of your application.

More about the role:

For more than 70 years, our client has been in a strong partnership with the UK military. They have accomplished numerous milestones in defence engineering and have provided essential defence capabilities to meet the requirements of the armed forces across land, sea, and air. This job is at our client's site in Bolton facility, one of the North West's leading manufacturing sites for at least 25 years. The facility offers showers and bike racks and is near the motorway, with a petrol station outside. Amenities like an onsite canteen. All employees get training and development opportunities.