At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead manufacturing operations and drive performance improvements in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Global industry-leading manufacturing company with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits package for your hard work.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for ambitious leaders to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing while developing high-performing teams and driving growth.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in manufacturing and strong operational expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
A well-established and growing manufacturing company with a reputation for quality, innovation, and customer service is seeking an exceptional Head of Manufacturing to lead production operations and drive performance across the manufacturing business in Greater Manchester.
This pivotal leadership position is responsible for overseeing all manufacturing activities, ensuring products are delivered safely, efficiently, on time, and to the highest quality standards. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will play a key role in shaping operational strategy, developing high-performing teams, and driving continuous improvement throughout the business.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious manufacturing leader who is passionate about operational excellence, people development, and delivering sustainable business growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership for all manufacturing operations.
- Develop and implement manufacturing strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Lead and inspire production teams to achieve operational excellence.
- Foster a culture of accountability, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure production targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
- Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, quality, and delivery performance.
- Monitor and report on key operational KPIs.
- Optimise resource utilisation, labour planning, and manufacturing capacity.
- Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to eliminate waste, reduce costs, and improve productivity.
- Implement best practices in operational excellence and manufacturing performance.
- Drive a culture of innovation and process improvement throughout the operation.
- Ensure products meet customer, regulatory, and company quality standards.
- Maintain robust quality management processes and controls.
- Lead corrective actions and root cause investigations where required.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant industry and regulatory requirements.
- Lead, coach, and develop manufacturing managers, supervisors, and team leaders.
- Build succession plans and support the development of future leaders.
- Drive employee engagement and performance management processes.
- Create a high-performance culture focused on achieving business objectives.
- Manage manufacturing budgets and operational costs.
- Deliver productivity and efficiency improvements that enhance profitability.
- Support capital investment planning and business improvement projects.
- Contribute to business planning and strategic growth initiatives.
The Successful Applicant:
You are a proven manufacturing leader with strong technical and operational expertise. You thrive in a fast-paced production environment and have a track record of building high-performing teams while improving efficiency, quality, and profitability. You combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach and are capable of driving change while maintaining focus on operational performance.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Significant senior leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Proven track record of leading production operations and delivering measurable improvements in performance.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production planning, and operational management.
- Experience leading continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, or operational excellence programmes.
- Strong financial and commercial awareness.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience managing large teams and developing future leaders.
- Strong understanding of health, safety, quality, and compliance requirements.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience:
- Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent qualification.
- Lean Six Sigma qualification or equivalent Continuous Improvement certification.
- NEBOSH, IOSH, or similar Health & Safety qualification.
- Experience implementing ERP or manufacturing systems.
- Experience leading automation, digitalisation, or manufacturing transformation projects.
Salary: 70,000 to 80,000 plus bonus and benefits, dependent on current salary and experience level.
Head of Manufacturing in Manchester employer: Michael Page International
As a not-for-profit organisation based in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and high-performing work culture that prioritises professional growth and meaningful transformation. Our commitment to employee development is matched by a competitive salary and a standard benefits package, making us an excellent employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the technology and telecoms sector.
Contact Details:
Michael Page International Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing in Manchester
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Michael Page International, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing in Manchester
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 Michael Page International 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 Michael Page International
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Michael Page International, 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 Michael Page International 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.
