At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise global manufacturing operations across UK and US facilities.
- Company: Leading manufacturer in machined graphite and EDM solutions, focused on aerospace growth.
- Benefits: Executive level package with competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead international teams and foster a high-performance culture.
- Why this job: Drive operational excellence and make a significant impact in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.
Our PE backed client is a leading manufacturer and supplier of machined graphite, EDM consumables and overall EDM solutions, serving customers across a wide range of aerospace and industrial markets. With a specific focus on their core growth in the global aerospace sector, we are seeking a NEW and experienced Manufacturing Director who will strategically and practically lead the global manufacturing deliverables of the business.
The Manufacturing Director is responsible for leading and optimizing all manufacturing operations across the Company's UK and US facilities, ensuring world-class levels of safety, quality, delivery, cost and customer satisfaction. This executive leadership role will drive operational excellence, capacity expansion, continuous improvement and strategic growth initiatives across both regions.
The successful candidate will combine strong operational leadership, engineering expertise and commercial awareness to establish scalable manufacturing systems, foster a high-performance culture and support the company's growth objectives in aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, tooling and precision engineering markets.
Reporting to the CEO, as an operational lead with a particular exposure to precision machining in aerospace, the Manufacturing Director will lead all manufacturing activities across UK and US operations. Specifically, you will:
- Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that support business growth, profitability, and customer service objectives.
- Establish and monitor key operational performance indicators including:
- Safety
- Quality
- On-Time Delivery
- Productivity
- Inventory Performance
- Capacity Utilization
- Labour Efficiency
- Ensure consistent operational standards across all manufacturing locations.
- Create a culture of accountability, operational excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Drive lean manufacturing initiatives throughout the organisation.
- Implement and sustain continuous improvement programs focused on waste reduction, workflow optimization, and productivity enhancement.
- Develop robust production planning and scheduling systems to support demand growth.
- Work closely with engineering teams to introduce new products, machinery, automation and manufacturing technologies.
- Support technology investments that enhance precision, productivity and scalability.
- Develop a consistent operational framework while recognising regional market and customer requirements.
- Conduct quarterly reviews at US facilities and support major customer engagements as required.
- Facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing between sites.
- Lead cross-functional global projects involving operations, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams.
- Champion a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
- Develop and manage manufacturing budgets across UK and US operations.
- Identify opportunities to improve margins through efficiency improvements and waste reduction.
- Manage capital expenditure planning and justification.
- Lead, coach and develop manufacturing leadership teams across both countries.
- Build succession plans for key operational positions.
To support this position, you will have:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations management, or related discipline.
- Master's Degree or MBA preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of manufacturing leadership experience.
- Minimum 5 years in a senior operational leadership role.
- Experience managing multi-site manufacturing operations.
- Proven experience leading international teams and facilities.
Preferred Industry Experience:
- Graphite machining / precision engineering / EDM manufacturing / tooling and mould making / aerospace manufacturing / advanced machining operations / industrial consumables / high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
A hands-on manufacturing leader with experience in precision machining and engineered materials, capable of operating at both strategic and operational levels. The ideal candidate is comfortable on the factory floor, understands the technical and commercial challenges of graphite machining and has the leadership presence to drive performance across international manufacturing operations while supporting ambitious growth objectives.
In summary, this is a senior leadership role which will add to the continued success of the business in a demanding environment. It is supported by an executive level package and benefits.
Manufacturing Director in Darlaston employer: Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd
As a leading specialist manufacturer of high-performance machinery, our company offers an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With fully remote opportunities, we provide flexibility and a supportive culture that encourages professional growth, making it an ideal place for skilled Siemens PLC Software Engineers to thrive and contribute to impactful projects.
Contact Details:
Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Director in Darlaston
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We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Director in Darlaston
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 Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd 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 Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd, 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 Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd 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.
