Assistant Factory Manager Electronics
Kentec Electronics Ltd has been a leading manufacturer of fire control panels for 40 years, operating worldwide and supplying control equipment to more than 90 countries. Headquartered in Dartford, Kent, Kentec is part of the Hochiki Corporation, a global fire‑detection and life‑safety leader with a 100‑year history. The partnership has strengthened our market position and supports our commitment to quality, reliability and customer trust.
Job Title
Assistant Manager – PCB Manufacturing & Final Assembly
Department
Electronics Manufacturing / Production
Reports To
Factory Manager
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
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Production & Process Management
- Support daily operations across SMT lines, through‑hole assembly/test, and final product assembly/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.
- Manage performance, workforce planning and shift attendance.
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Technical & Process Control
- Ensure adherence to PCB manufacturing standards (IPC‑A‑610, IPC‑J‑STD‑001).
- Support process optimisation for soldering, placement accuracy and yield.
- Troubleshoot production issues: solder defects, component misalignment, reflow/profile issues.
- Work closely with Engineering on NPI (New Product Introduction) and process validation.
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Quality Management
- Ensure compliance with quality standards and customer specifications.
- Monitor defect rates (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.
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Team Leadership & Development
- Supervise production staff, team leaders and line supervisors.
- Provide coaching on electronics assembly techniques and standards.
- Support skills development and performance management.
- Promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
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Health, Safety & ESD Compliance
- Ensure adherence to all health & safety procedures.
- Enforce ESD control measures.
- Maintain safe working practices around automated machinery and soldering equipment.
- Conduct audits, risk assessments and incident investigations.
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Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing
- Drive Lean initiatives (5S, Kaizen, waste reduction).
- Monitor and improve KPIs such as FPY, OEE, defect rates and rework levels.
- Identify opportunities to improve line balancing and throughput.
- Support automation and digitalisation projects.
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Reporting & KPI Management
- Track and report production performance metrics.
- Analyse yield, downtime and quality trends.
- Provide shift and daily production reports.
Key Performance Indicators
- First Pass Yield (FPY)
- Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
- 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; 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 (RCA, 8D, Fishbone, etc.).
- Ability to work in high‑mix, low‑volume or high‑volume environments.
- 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: 08:00 – 16:30 Monday to Thursday and 08:00–15:30 Friday.
- Free parking.
- Enhanced workplace pension scheme.
- Enhanced parental leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Unlimited access to 24/7 GP and wellbeing experts (Smart Health).
- Financial wellbeing 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).
- Volunteer with a charity of your choice for a day each year.
- Get the latest tech at the best price and spread the payments over your salary, interest‑free (SmartTech).
