At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in manufacturing, driving operational excellence and strategic direction.
- Company: Join Harrison Spinks, a historic brand crafting luxury mattresses since 1840.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, competitive salary, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Be part of a team where tradition meets purpose and your contributions truly matter.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing while making a real impact on customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing with expertise in Lean methodologies and operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Manufacturing to provide strategic leadership and operational excellence across our full manufacturing footprint, including core production and upholstery operations. Reporting into the Operations Director - Beds, you will play a pivotal role in building capability, strengthening operational discipline, and embedding Lean Manufacturing principles across the organisation. This is an opportunity to influence the future of our manufacturing operations and contribute directly to business growth and customer satisfaction.
Location – Beeston, Leeds. LS11 5SB
Hours – Monday – Friday. 39 hours
This is a senior, high‑impact role responsible for shaping the long‑term manufacturing strategy, driving transformational improvement, and ensuring our teams deliver safe, efficient, and world‑class performance.
Key Responsibilities include:- Provide strategic direction for the entire manufacturing function, setting long‑term plans and operational standards.
- Lead and develop senior and middle‑management teams, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee end‑to‑end manufacturing performance across production, upholstery, and support functions.
- Drive Lean Manufacturing deployment, embedding CI behaviours and structured problem‑solving across all teams.
- Ensure robust production planning, capacity management, and workflow optimisation to support business demand.
- Champion safety, quality, and compliance, ensuring all operations meet regulatory and internal standards.
- Own the manufacturing budget, delivering cost improvements through waste reduction, process optimisation, and strategic investment.
- Proven success leading large, multi‑disciplinary manufacturing operations at a senior level.
- Experience managing both high‑volume production and understanding of manufacturing systems, Lean methodologies, and operational excellence frameworks.
- Ability to design and deliver long‑term CI and Lean roadmaps.
- Skilled in setting strategic direction, building capability, and leading senior managers through change.
- Experience developing leadership pipelines and shaping high‑performance cultures.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder‑management skills, with the ability to influence at director level.
- Confident presenting operational performance, risks, and strategic recommendations.
- Strong ability to interpret complex data, identify systemic issues, and drive long‑term solutions.
- Experience managing large budgets and supporting capital investment planning.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing technologies, digital systems, and performance‑tracking tools.
- Ability to evaluate and implement new systems and automation to enhance capability.
Craft your future with us. At Harrison Spinks, we have been handmaking luxury mattresses in Britain since 1840 - with innovation, sustainability, and passion stitched into every seam. Join a team where tradition meets purpose, and your work truly matters.
What we offer in return:- 32 days annual leave - Inclusive of bank holidays
- Additional Wellbeing Day – A Day dedicated to you.
- Competitive Salary
- Training & development opportunities
- Enhanced Pension scheme
- Staff Discounts across the Harrison Spinks group
- Wellbeing initiatives
- Employee Ownership Trust member
Head of Manufacturing in Leeds employer: Harrison Spinks
Harrison Spinks is an exceptional employer that values innovation and sustainability, offering a unique opportunity for the Head of Manufacturing to lead transformative initiatives in a historic company. Located in Beeston, Leeds, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises wellbeing, professional development, and a strong sense of ownership, alongside competitive salaries and generous leave policies. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a role where your leadership will shape the future of our manufacturing operations and contribute to our legacy of quality craftsmanship.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local manufacturing events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Head of Manufacturing role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their manufacturing processes and be ready to discuss how you can implement Lean principles. We want you to show them you’re the perfect fit for their operational excellence goals!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for the manufacturing strategy and how you’ve driven transformational improvements in the past. We believe that confidence is key when presenting your ideas to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Harrison Spinks.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the key skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership in manufacturing operations and any experience with Lean methodologies to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission. Share specific examples of how you've driven transformational improvements in previous roles.
Showcase Your Achievements:Quantify your successes! Whether it’s cost savings, efficiency improvements, or team development, we want to see the impact you’ve made in your previous positions. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Harrison Spinks.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrison Spinks
✨Know Your Manufacturing Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and operational excellence frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented these in past roles, as this will show your potential employer that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams through change and built high-performance cultures. Highlight specific instances where you've developed senior managers or fostered accountability and teamwork, as this is crucial for the Head of Manufacturing role.
✨Be Data Savvy
Get comfortable with interpreting complex data and identifying systemic issues. You might be asked to present operational performance metrics, so think about how you've used data to drive long-term solutions in your previous positions.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Demonstrate your ability to set strategic direction and manage large budgets. Be prepared to discuss how you've supported capital investment planning and delivered cost improvements through waste reduction and process optimisation.
