Head of Manufacturing

Based in Greater Manchester, we are a well-established and growing manufacturing company with a reputation for quality, innovation, and customer service. Operating in a fast-paced environment, we supply products to customers across multiple sectors and continue to invest in our people, facilities, and technology.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Manufacturing to lead our production operations and drive performance across our manufacturing business in Greater Manchester. This is a pivotal leadership position 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.

Profile:

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.

Job Offer: £70,000 to £80,000 plus bonus and benefits, dependent on current salary and experience level.