At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Factory Manager in delivering efficient PCB production and assembly operations.
- Company: Join Kentec Electronics, a global leader in fire control technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy free parking, enhanced pension, mental health support, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in electronics manufacturing.
- Qualifications: 5 years in manufacturing and experience supervising teams required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Kentec Electronics Ltd, during the last 40 years, has expanded into a major worldwide manufacturer of independent fire control panels. Over time, the Kentec brand has become known for its top-quality products, outstanding service, and exceptional support. Headquartered in Dartford, Kent, Kentec has established itself as a global leader, supplying control equipment to more than 90 countries across the world in multiple languages. As part of the Hochiki Corporation – one of the world’s most established and respected fire detection and life safety manufacturers, with over 100 years of history – Kentec is proud to have been a valued member of the Hochiki family for the past 13 years. This partnership has strengthened our position in the global market, enabling us to deliver world-class fire control panel solutions backed by decades of innovation, quality, and reliability. Our shared values and long-standing collaboration continue to drive progress, excellence, and customer trust across the industry.
The assistant factory manager at Kentec is responsible for supporting the factory manager in the daily performance and productive management of their departments and staff. They are expected to provide overarching guidance to supervisors and team leaders and their subordinates, leading their team effectively to ensure that the Company achieves its production and performance targets, aims, and objectives.
Job Purpose: To support the Factory Manager in delivering efficient, high-quality PCB production and final assembly operations. The role ensures smooth execution of SMT, through-hole, and final assembly processes while maintaining strict quality, safety, and delivery standards in a fast-paced electronics manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Production & Process Management
- Support daily operations across:
- SMT (Surface Mount Technology) lines
- Through-hole assembly / Test
- Final product assembly and test
- Ensure production schedules are achieved (OTIF – On Time In Full)
- Monitor line performance, cycle times, and bottlenecks
- Coordinate quick changeovers and minimise downtime
- Ensure correct setup of pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, and test equipment
- Performance management and workforce planning
- Technical & Process Control
- Ensure adherence to PCB manufacturing standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, IPC-J-STD-001)
- Support process optimisation for soldering, placement accuracy, and yield
- Troubleshoot production issues such as:
- Solder defects
- Component misalignment
- Reflow/profile issues
- Work closely with Engineering on NPI (New Product Introduction) and process validation
- Quality Management
- Ensure compliance with quality standards and customer specifications
- Monitor defect rates (e.g., solder bridges, tombstoning, insufficient solder)
- Support root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)
- Drive Right-First Time and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure traceability of components and assemblies
- Team Leadership & Development
- Supervise production staff, team leaders, and line supervisors
- Provide coaching on electronics assembly techniques and standards
- Support skills development
- Manage performance, attendance, and workforce planning
- Promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
- Health, Safety & ESD Compliance
- Ensure adherence to all health & safety procedures
- Enforce ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) control measures
- Maintain safe working practices around automated machinery and soldering equipment
- Conduct audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations
- Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing
- Drive Lean initiatives (5S, Kaizen, waste reduction)
- Monitor and improve KPIs such as:
- First Pass Yield (FPY)
- Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
- Defect rates and rework levels
- Identify opportunities to improve line balancing and throughput
- Support automation and digitalisation projects
- Reporting & KPI Management
- Track and report production performance metrics
- Analyse yield, downtime, and quality trends
- Provide shift and daily production reports
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- First Pass Yield (FPY)
- OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
- Defect rate / DPMO (Defects Per Million Opportunities)
- On-Time Delivery (OTD)
- Rework and scrap levels
- Line downtime and changeover efficiency
Qualifications & Experience
- Essential
- 5 years manufacturing / Production lines
- Experience supervising production teams
- Skills & Competencies
- Strong technical understanding of PCB assembly processes
- Leadership and people management skills
- Analytical mindset with a focus on yield and defect reduction
- Excellent problem-solving (root cause analysis, 8D, Fishbone, etc.)
- Ability to work in a high-mix, low-volume or high-volume environment
- Strong communication across production, engineering, and quality teams
Working Conditions
- Based in an electronics manufacturing environment
- Requires use of ESD protection equipment
- Exposure to soldering fumes, automated machinery, and production noise
- May involve shift work depending on operations
Job Specifics
- Working Hours are: 08:00 – 16:30 Monday to Thursday and 08:00-15:30 Friday
Employee benefits include free parking, enhanced workplace pension scheme, enhanced parental leave, Employee Assistance Programme, unlimited access to 24/7 GP and wellbeing experts (Smart Health), financial well-being scheme (Salary Finance), employee referral scheme, long service awards, free Mental Health First Aid courses (M.H.F.A.), life assurance, cycle to work scheme, company sick pay, internal training, company events, employee benefits, discounts and perks (Rewards Gateway), and the opportunity to volunteer with a charity of your choice for a day each year.
Assistant Factory Manager - Electronics in Dartford employer: Hochiki Group
Kentec Electronics Ltd. is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and reliability in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while working with cutting-edge technology in Dartford. With a commitment to continuous improvement and a focus on employee well-being, Kentec provides a rewarding workplace for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Factory Manager - Electronics in Dartford
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Factory Manager - Electronics in Dartford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Hochiki Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hochiki Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Hochiki Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Hochiki Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
