Manufacturing Manager

Manufacturing Manager

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Hitachi Vantara Corporation

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead manufacturing operations and ensure on-time delivery of innovative projects.
  • Company: Join Hitachi Rail, a global leader in digital transformation and technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, 25 days holiday, and private medical insurance.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with cutting-edge sensor technology.
  • Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing management and strong engineering foundation required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

About Us

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting‑edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi‑cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into.

Job Description

We design and manufacture highly innovative sensor technology for the rail industry, working in small, specialist teams where engineering excellence, precision and collaboration truly matter. Our environments are agile, technically complex and hands‑on — perfect for an experienced Manufacturing Manager who enjoys being close to the detail while influencing the bigger picture. If you’ve built your career in niche manufacturing settings and love leading teams through growth, change and continuous improvement, this could be your next challenge.

As Manufacturing Manager, you’ll lead manufacturing operations across two sites in Romsey and Derby, with overall responsibility for delivery, quality, cost and capability. Reporting into the Manufacturing & Quality Director, you’ll work closely with Engineering, Project Management and Supply Chain teams to ensure customer projects are delivered efficiently, safely and to the highest quality standards. This is a role for someone who thrives in technically complex, low‑volume / high‑precision manufacturing, and who enjoys balancing strategic oversight with day‑to‑day problem solving.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Leading manufacturing operations across two UK sites, ensuring on‑time delivery of customer projects
  • Working closely with Project Managers and Engineers to track progress, manage risk and resolve issues early
  • Owning production performance, ensuring teams work to standard times and deliver against cost, quality and schedule targets
  • Developing manufacturing processes that are repeatable, robust and continuously improving
  • Supporting the introduction of new products and processes, embedding quality from day one
  • Driving lean manufacturing principles, DFMA, FMEA and other best‑practice methodologies
  • Managing internal capacity and outsourcing to meet short‑ and long‑term demand
  • Building capable, flexible teams through strong communication, coaching and development

About You

You’re an experienced Manufacturing or Production Manager with a strong engineering foundation, ideally gained in small, innovative or specialist manufacturing environments. You’re comfortable wearing multiple hats, enjoy being close to the operation, and take pride in developing people as much as processes. You’ll bring:

  • Proven production or manufacturing management experience in a high‑technology or complex engineering environment
  • A strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems
  • Hands‑on problem‑solving skills and a data‑led mindset
  • Experience using Lean, Six Sigma, Total Quality or similar methodologies
  • The ability to work collaboratively across engineering, projects and leadership teams
  • A degree (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related discipline

What we offer

We value the importance of all of our employees, if you would like to join our fantastic organisation you could be entitled to:

  • Competitive salary
  • Potential opportunity for annual performance related bonus
  • 25 days holiday
  • Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%
  • Private medical insurance
  • Personal Accident insurance
  • Group Income protection
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programme

We also offer additional perks for you to choose from within a flexible plan that will meet your specific needs and lifestyle.

Thank you for your interest in Hitachi Rail. If your application is of interest, we will be in contact. Please do not hesitate to discover more about us and our latest jobs at https://www.hitachirail.com/careers. At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

We would be delighted if you would be one of our followers at https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachirail.

Manufacturing Manager employer: Hitachi Vantara Corporation

At Hitachi Rail, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions innovation and collaboration. As a Manufacturing Manager, you will lead operations across our Romsey and Derby sites, benefiting from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your personal and professional growth. Join us in shaping the future of rail technology while enjoying a culture that values diversity and encourages continuous improvement.

Hitachi Vantara Corporation

Contact Details:

Hitachi Vantara Corporation Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing sector, especially those who might have ties to Hitachi Rail. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Hitachi Rail's projects and values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to our innovative sensor technology.

Tip Number 3

Practice your problem-solving skills! We love candidates who can think on their feet. Be ready to discuss past challenges you've faced in manufacturing and how you tackled them.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Hitachi Rail.

We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Manager

Manufacturing Management
Engineering Foundation
Lean Manufacturing Principles
Six Sigma
Total Quality Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Data-Led Mindset

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Manufacturing Manager role. Highlight your experience in niche manufacturing settings and any relevant methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for engineering excellence and how you've led teams through growth and change in previous positions.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in manufacturing. We love candidates who can demonstrate hands-on problem-solving and a data-led mindset.

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 the role. Plus, you can explore more about our company culture while you’re there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hitachi Vantara Corporation

Know Your Manufacturing Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in manufacturing, especially those relevant to the rail industry. Be ready to discuss your experience with lean manufacturing principles and how you've applied them in previous roles.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change and continuous improvement. Highlight your coaching and development strategies, as well as how you foster collaboration across different departments.

Understand the Company Culture

Research Hitachi Rail's values and mission. Be prepared to explain how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding innovation and sustainability. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but for the company as a whole.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's current projects, challenges they face in manufacturing, and their approach to quality assurance. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.