At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire manufacturing teams to achieve operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Company: Established manufacturing business with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a culture of accountability and engagement with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a key leadership role within a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing leadership and strong people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 51000 £ per year.
Location: South Wales
Salary: Up to £65,000 + Benefits
The Opportunity
Haystack Selection is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a well-established manufacturing business seeking an experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead its production operation. This is a key leadership position responsible for driving operational performance, developing high-performing teams and ensuring the manufacturing function consistently delivers against safety, quality, delivery and cost objectives.
The successful candidate will be a confident, hands-on manufacturing leader with a proven track record of improving performance, leading people and implementing continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This opportunity would suit an existing Manufacturing Manager or an ambitious, high-performing Production Manager who has the capability, leadership skills and commercial awareness to step into a broader manufacturing leadership role.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide leadership across the manufacturing function, creating a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
- Ensure production targets are achieved safely, efficiently and in line with customer expectations.
- Lead, coach and develop Production Managers, Supervisors, Team Leaders and manufacturing personnel.
- Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, quality and overall operational performance.
- Develop and monitor key operational KPIs including OEE, labour utilisation, scrap, downtime, on-time delivery and productivity.
- Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Maintenance to optimise manufacturing performance.
- Champion Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement activities across the operation.
- Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve processes and maximise capacity.
- Support production planning and resource allocation to meet changing customer demand.
- Take ownership of manufacturing performance, ensuring operational objectives are achieved.
- Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality standards.
- Lead daily operational reviews and communicate business priorities across the manufacturing team.
- Develop succession plans and strengthen leadership capability throughout the department.
- Contribute to strategic operational planning and future manufacturing improvements.
- Manage manufacturing budgets and support cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality or safety.
Requirements
The ideal candidate will be an experienced manufacturing leader who combines strong operational knowledge with excellent people management skills. You will ideally have:
- Previous experience as a Manufacturing Manager, Senior Production Manager or an ambitious Production Manager ready to step into a Manufacturing Manager position.
- A strong background within a manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience leading large production teams through managers, supervisors or team leaders.
- Excellent leadership and coaching skills with the ability to inspire and develop others.
- A hands-on management style and visible presence on the shop floor.
- Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and operational excellence.
- Experience monitoring and improving manufacturing KPIs.
- Commercial awareness with the ability to balance productivity, quality and cost.
- Excellent organisational, planning and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- IOSH, NEBOSH or Lean qualifications would be advantageous but are not essential.
If you're an experienced manufacturing leader looking for a role where you can make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today for a confidential discussion.
Manufacturing Manager employer: Haystack Selection Ltd
Join a well-established manufacturing business in South Wales that prioritises employee development and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. As a Manufacturing Manager, you will benefit from a competitive salary of up to £65,000, alongside a comprehensive benefits package, while working in a dynamic environment that encourages leadership growth and operational excellence. This role offers the unique opportunity to make a significant impact on production performance and team development within a supportive and engaging workplace.
