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 competitive salary, private medical insurance, and early finishes on Fridays.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and offers clear career development pathways.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safety and innovation while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in manufacturing improvement and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
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.
What we’re looking for:
- 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.
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.
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. To support an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience in the UK, we partner with Vercida.
Head of Manufacturing Process and Systems employer: JFD Global
At James Fisher and Sons, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Aberdeen or Inchinnan, Glasgow, where innovation and operational excellence are at the forefront. Our inclusive culture fosters individual contributions and provides clear pathways for career development, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package that includes private medical insurance and a cycle to work scheme. Join us in making a meaningful impact across global operations while enjoying the flexibility of early finishes on Fridays and the opportunity to work in a highly regulated industry with a focus on continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing Process and Systems
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. The more connections we have, the better our chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We should know what makes them tick and how we can contribute to their goals. Tailor our answers to show we’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! We can do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common questions. The more we practice, the more confident we’ll be when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can set us apart from other candidates. It shows our enthusiasm and keeps us fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing Process and Systems
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!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of measurable improvements you've made in previous roles. We love numbers, so if you’ve increased efficiency or reduced costs, let us know how you did it!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
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’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at JFD Global
✨Know Your Manufacturing Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of manufacturing processes and systems. Understand the latest trends in operational excellence and lean principles, as these will likely come up during the interview. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've driven improvements in similar environments will really impress them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leading change, so be prepared to share your experiences in managing teams and influencing stakeholders. Think of concrete examples where you've successfully implemented change or improved performance metrics. Highlight your ability to work across functions and how you've built relationships with senior leaders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges in a regulated manufacturing environment. Prepare by thinking through potential bottlenecks or systemic issues they might face and how you would address them. This shows you're not just reactive but proactive in your approach to problem-solving.
✨Demonstrate Data Savvy
Since the role requires strong data and performance literacy, be ready to discuss how you've used metrics to track progress and measure impact in past roles. Bring examples of how data-driven decisions have led to successful outcomes, as this will resonate well with their focus on measurable improvements.
