Manufacturing Director - Automotive After Market

Manufacturing Director “A Rare Opportunity for a Strategic Manufacturing Leader to Transform & Diversify Operations, Drive Excellence and Value.” c£120,000 (DOE) + Car Allowance + Bonus + Benefits Derbyshire Are you a seasoned manufacturing leader with a talent for operational excellence and a track record of driving transformative change? Do you have experience of engaging and influencing at Board level with OEM customers? If so, we have an opportunity that will ignite your ambition and challenge you to new heights. Our client has a long-established heritage and loyal workforce. It has recently been acquired by a PE business and is poised to realise its full potential through additional investment and achievement of ambitious growth targets. As our client’s newly appointed Manufacturing Director, you will spearhead a company-wide transformation, implementing modern, lean manufacturing techniques and best-in-class performance across their three manufacturing sites against a backdrop of increasing volumes. In this pivotal role, you’ll oversee all manufacturing activities, ensuring efficient production processes, stringent quality control, and unwavering compliance with safety regulations. A key part of the role will be to work closely with Commercial and Engineering colleagues to engage with new and existing OEM customers at Board level to increase volumes on existing lines and to introduce new product lines into the operation. Your strategic vision and data-driven decision-making will be instrumental in optimising workflows, reducing costs, and enhancing productivity and while fostering a continuous improvement culture as the business increases volumes. This role would suit someone with a proven track record in both SME and multinational industrial and engineering businesses, with a proven track record of driving improvements in efficiency, value and team effectiveness through excellent change leadership skills. Specifically, the objective will be to continuously improve existing production processes, ensuring excellent OEE so that you can then work with your commercial, engineering and design colleagues to start to introduce new product lines to diversify the product and client portfolio further into automotive OEMs and other industrial clients The company specialises in the manufacture of aftermarket and retrofit automotive products manufactured from design and development, through to fabrication, advanced laser cutting, CNC machining and press forming and product finishing. Whilst experience of the automotive or aerospace manufacturing sector would be helpful its not a prerequisite. With an established team of highly capable and experienced individuals, you’ll have the perfect canvas to showcase your expertise in terms of skills development, introduction of lean manufacturing techniques, talent and succession planning and leave an indelible mark on their operations. Your Challenge: Commercially engage, alongside the Commercial Director and Engineering Director, from a strategic manufacturing delivery perspective, with board level stakeholders from OEM customers. Operational Management: Orchestrate daily manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and adherence to production schedules and delivery timelines. Quality Assurance: Uphold rigorous quality standards, implementing robust control procedures to minimise defects and rework. Experience of automotive related quality control and audit processes will be essential. Safety and Compliance: Champion a safety-first mindset, ensuring all manufacturing activities comply with regulations and company policies. Financial Management: Prepare and manage the manufacturing budget, monitor financial performance, and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality. Prepare capital investment business cases and proposals. Team Leadership: Inspire and develop a high-performing manufacturing team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Experienced in succession planning, coaching and mentoring from apprentices to experienced professionals. Process Improvement: Use your expertise in lean manufacturing principles and other methodologies to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Strategic Planning: Contribute to developing long-term manufacturing goals staying ahead of industry trends and technological advancements. Customer Focus: Ensure customer satisfaction by maintaining exceptional product quality and delivery standards. Experienced in working with automotive OEM clients and similar. Your Background: Degree educated in Engineering. Strategic visionary and change leader to manage production at one key site and two smaller operations also located in the East Midlands. Gravitas and credibility to operate at Board Level engaging commercially with OEM clients but still involved in the day to day detail of leading the manufacturing operations. Substantial experience in senior manufacturing operational management and leadership role, minimum 80-100 people. Track record of continuous improvement including transformation and growth to support diversification of product lines and customer portfolio. Proven expertise in engineering and industrial manufacturing processes, quality control, and safety standards Experienced in volume batch production environments. Proficiency in manufacturing software and tools for manufacturing planning, process control, maintenance etc Excellent people development skills including succession planning and talent development. Strong financial acumen and budget management skills including preparation of capital investment proposals and costings. Experience presenting to board level. Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and communication abilities. Experience in industrial manufacturing and engineering environment. Automotive, aerospace, or plastics manufacturing industries advantageous but not a prerequisite. Able to commute daily to our client’s Derbyshire facility. If you’re a seasoned manufacturing professional with a passion for driving operational excellence and a desire to make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you. Apply now by emailing your CV, quoting reference LX (phone number removed)