At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Factory Manager in efficient PCB production and assembly operations.
- Company: Join Kentec Electronics, a leading global manufacturer with 40 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy free parking, enhanced pension, mental health support, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced electronics environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 5 years in manufacturing and experience supervising teams required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
Kentec Assistant Factory Manager Electronics
Kentec Electronics Ltd has been a major global manufacturer of independent fire control panels for the last 40 years.
Over time, the Kentec brand has become known for its top‑quality products, outstanding service, and exceptional support.
Headquartered in Dartford, Kent, Kentec supplies control equipment to more than 90 countries worldwide 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 has 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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, and reflow/profile issues.
- Work closely with Engineering on NPI 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 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)
- 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
- 5 years manufacturing/production line experience
- Experience supervising production teams
- 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
- 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)
- 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 (Smart Tech)
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Factory Manager - Electronics in Dartford employer: Hochiki
Kentec Electronics Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With comprehensive training, generous holiday allowances, and unique benefits like a financial well-being scheme and volunteer opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Dartford, Kent, you will be part of a globally recognised team dedicated to manufacturing high-quality fire control panels, ensuring your contributions make a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Factory Manager - Electronics in Dartford
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Hochiki, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
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 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
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Hochiki, 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 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.
