At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational improvements and develop global manufacturing strategies for impactful change.
- Company: Join James Fisher and Sons, a leader in innovative manufacturing solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy early finishes on Fridays, competitive salary, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with clear pathways for career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safety and innovation while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing improvement and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About the Role
Head of Manufacturing Process and Systems
Aberdeen or Inchinnan, Glasgow
Full-time, Permanent, Hybrid working
Please note that this role requires security checks and possible security clearance. This is a high impact role focused on improving how manufacturing works across JFD. You will be central to driving operational change, quickly getting up to speed with how the business operates and translating priorities into actions that are delivered properly and embedded, not lost in day‑to‑day firefighting.
Working across manufacturing, supply chain, production, planning, engineering, quality, technical services and business operations, you will help improve performance, stability, efficiency and delivery confidence. By taking ownership of improvement execution, you will enable functional leaders to focus on strategy and running their operations. Joining the business at an exciting stage of growth, you will work globally across all operational areas, using influence and credibility to drive change with leaders and teams. The role combines longer‑term improvement with hands‑on delivery in a fast‑paced, regulated manufacturing environment. Some ad‑hoc travel, both domestically and internationally, will be required.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and coordinate the operational improvement agenda across all relevant functions.
- Lead the development of global manufacturing strategies including complex global product manufacturing plans.
- Support the Operations Director by leading Operations strategy development to support business growth and the wider strategic plan.
- Identify, prioritise and implement high‑value improvement opportunities aligned to business and operational goals.
- Ensure improvement actions are governed, resourced, tracked and delivered through to sustained adoption.
- Drive measurable improvements in areas such as safety, quality, delivery, productivity, lead time, cost and inventory.
- Work with functional heads to address systemic issues, bottlenecks, waste and recurring failure demand.
- Establish clear improvement plans, reporting and performance measures for the Operations Director.
- Support the move from reactive firefighting to more stable, controlled and repeatable ways of working as part of the wider JFD system.
- Align with the IMS and ERP Transformation project which will run in parallel.
- Build improvement capability and discipline across operational teams and leaders.
Qualifications
- Strong breadth of knowledge across manufacturing and operational functions.
- Proven track record of delivering measurable improvement across complex operational environments.
- Experience in manufacturing improvement, operational excellence, transformation or similar leadership roles.
- Experience of working in a highly regulated industry.
- Strong understanding of continuous improvement, lean principles, process improvement and performance management.
- Able to diagnose root causes, prioritise effectively and convert improvement opportunities into practical action.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior level and work effectively across functions.
- Strong data and performance literacy, using metrics to identify issues, track progress and measure impact.
- Experience of implementing and embedding change in delivery‑focused environments.
Benefits
- Early finish on Fridays.
- Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (private medical insurance, life assurance, cycle to work scheme, company pension, etc.).
- Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility.
- Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions.
- Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations.
Equal Opportunity Employer
At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.
Head of Manufacturing Process and Systems in Aberdeen employer: James Fisher and Sons plc
At James Fisher and Sons, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a competitive salary and benefits package, including private medical insurance and a cycle to work scheme. Our inclusive and supportive culture fosters individual contributions and provides clear pathways for career development, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing setting in Aberdeen or Inchinnan, Glasgow.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing Process and Systems in Aberdeen
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to be able to speak confidently about how your skills align with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We believe that a little extra effort can make a big difference in keeping you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing Process and Systems in Aberdeen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Manufacturing Process and Systems role. Highlight your experience in operational improvement and how it aligns with our goals at JFD. We want to see how you can drive change and make an impact!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of measurable improvements you've made in previous roles. Use data and metrics to back up your claims. This will help us understand your capability in delivering results in complex environments.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what’s relevant to the role. Make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at JFD!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Fisher and Sons plc
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations and their manufacturing processes. Understand their current challenges and think about how your experience in operational excellence can help them improve. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also invested in their success.
✨Showcase Your Achievements
Prepare specific examples of measurable improvements you've made in previous roles. Whether it's reducing lead times or enhancing productivity, having concrete data to back up your claims will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your capability to drive change.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves influencing senior leaders and cross-functional teams, be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in the past. Share stories that highlight your communication skills and ability to align diverse teams towards common goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company’s strategic goals. Inquire about their current improvement initiatives or how they measure success in their manufacturing processes. This shows your proactive mindset and genuine interest in contributing to their growth.
