At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in manufacturing, driving operational excellence and strategic direction.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on quality and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, wellbeing days, enhanced pension, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing while making a real impact on business growth.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in large manufacturing operations and expertise in Lean methodologies.
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- 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.
- 32 days annual leave - Inclusive of bank holidays
- Additional Wellbeing Day – A Day dedicated to you.
- Enhanced Pension scheme
- Staff Discounts across the Harrison Spinks group
Head of Manufacturing in Leeds employer: Harrison Sprinks
At our Beeston, Leeds location, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions strategic leadership and operational excellence in manufacturing. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a supportive work culture that encourages continuous improvement and accountability, alongside generous benefits such as 32 days of annual leave and an enhanced pension scheme. Join us to influence the future of manufacturing while enjoying a rewarding career in a dynamic environment.
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’s manufacturing processes and recent projects. We want you to show off your knowledge about Lean Manufacturing principles and how you can apply them to their operations. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your past successes in leading manufacturing teams and driving improvements. We suggest using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and keep them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role and highlighting a key point from your conversation can keep you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
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 speaks directly to the Head of Manufacturing role. Highlight your experience in leading manufacturing operations, Lean methodologies, and any relevant achievements that showcase your strategic direction and operational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven transformational improvements and built high-performance cultures in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you lead teams and foster accountability. Include examples of how you've developed senior management teams and implemented continuous improvement practices. This will help us understand your leadership style and impact.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrison Sprinks
✨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 developed high-performance cultures. Think about specific situations where you fostered accountability and teamwork, as this is crucial for a senior role like Head of Manufacturing.
✨Be Data Savvy
Get comfortable with interpreting complex data and identifying systemic issues. You might be asked to present operational performance metrics, so having a few examples ready will demonstrate your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Research the company’s manufacturing strategy and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their long-term goals. Showing that you understand their business and can align your vision with theirs will set you apart from other candidates.
