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- Tasks: Lead and shape the manufacture of complex aerospace and defence systems.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to operational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-tech environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in manufacturing management and strong leadership capabilities required.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid working with clear progression opportunities into senior leadership roles.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 91000 £ per year.
As part of MBDA's continual volume growth and operational expansion, you could join our high technology manufacturing environment as Manufacturing Operations Manager with a pivotal role in shaping delivery performance and manufacturing excellence.
Salary: Circa £65,000 depending on experience
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 4 days per week on-site due to workload classification
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company Bonus: Bonus of up to 21% of base salary
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more...
The Opportunity:
This role is ideally suited to a proven manufacturing leader ready to take on a broader challenge, shaping operational performance, embedding best practice, and directly contributing to the delivery of complex, critical defence programmes. You could find yourself leading the growth of a high-volume production programme or leading the transition of complex systems into stable, repeatable manufacturing, whilst continuing to mature production operations to meet future demand.
What's in it for you?
- Lead and shape the manufacture, assembly, integration, and test of complex aerospace and defence systems
- Operate at the forefront of manufacturing excellence, quality transformation, and operational improvement
- Influence decision-making and outcomes at senior leadership level
- Develop your leadership capability within a business committed to continuous improvement and developing its people
- Gain exposure to major operational challenges, including ramp-up of new programmes, stabilising transitioning production lines, industrialisation of new systems, and improving established manufacturing flows.
- Benefit from clear progression opportunities into Head of Manufacturing or wider senior leadership roles for high performers.
This is a rare opportunity to build both a legacy of operational impact and a long-term leadership career within one of the UK's foremost advanced manufacturing organisations.
What we're looking for from you:
You will bring:
- Proven experience as an Operations, Production or Manufacturing Manager within a complex, regulated manufacturing environment (aerospace, defence, automotive or similar)
- Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary teams with a strong track record of delivery against safety, quality, cost and schedule objectives.
- Experience leading production ramp-up, industrialisation of new products or stabilisation of transitioning manufacturing lines.
- Capability to drive continuous improvement, whilst utilising and implementing a variety of lean tools ensuring successful implementation and change management.
- Strong leadership skills that ensure accountability and ownership at all levels. Being forthcoming with new ideas and better ways of working that means we challenge the norm in a proactive and inclusive manner.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, operating confidently across engineering, quality and project teams.
Qualifications - desirable
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Manufacturing, Engineering, or a related discipline
- Lean / Continuous Improvement certification (e.g. green Belt / Black Belt)
- IOSH or relevant health and safety qualification
- Experience operating within aerospace or defence quality framework (e.g. EN9100)
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.
We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more...
We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Manufacturing Operations Manager in Bolton employer: MBDA UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
MBDA UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Operations Manager in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching MBDA and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in operations management. Tailor your responses to showcase how you can contribute to their mission of operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your leadership experiences and how you've driven continuous improvement in past roles. This will help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities tailored to your skills and aspirations right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Operations Manager in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Manufacturing Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in complex manufacturing environments and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re keen on strong leadership skills, so make sure to highlight your experience leading teams and driving continuous improvement. Share examples of how you've influenced decision-making and outcomes in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA UK Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of manufacturing processes, especially in regulated environments like aerospace or defence. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to lead teams and improve operational performance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your leadership style and how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams. Think of instances where you drove continuous improvement or implemented lean tools, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working across various teams, practice how you'll communicate with different stakeholders. Highlight your experience in engaging with engineering, quality, and project teams, and be prepared to discuss how you’ve influenced decision-making at senior levels.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about their current challenges in manufacturing operations or how they implement continuous improvement strategies. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
