At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-performing teams in manufacturing, driving Continuous Improvement projects and ensuring quality standards.
- Company: Join Northwood, a family-owned leader in paper hygiene and wiping products.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, discounts, wellness programmes, and free company products.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and empowers every team member.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing, CI projects, and Lean methodologies is essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About the Role
Are you a hands-on leader, close to day to day manufacturing operations, with experience leading CI projects through to completion? In this instrumental role, you'll be leading high-performing teams with a hands-on approach, ensuring our SOPs are effective, ways of working are efficient and sustainable, and quality is at a high standard.
Job Opportunity
You will provide support and mentorship regarding Continuous Improvement, leading projects end to end, getting the team involved and cultivating their buy-in, and fostering accountability. Your role will be predominantly Days-based where you’ll instill a supportive, high-energy culture across our continental shift, setting high standards, educating and developing our talent. Occasionally, you may need to adjust your working times to meet with crews on the night shift to ensure everyone is aligned on priorities, and to provide consistent visibility and support. You'll bring your expertise in maximising productivity and minimising waste ethically and responsibly, with cost consciousness regarding waste control, resourcing, and materials. You'll also play an integral role in maintaining audit standards relating to BRCGS, ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and SMETA Sedex.
Essential Skills
We are looking for a commercially-minded and people-centred leader with resilience, a drive for results, and commitment to empowering colleagues. We're looking for:
- Hands-on approach to production with proven experience delivering CI.
- Visible presence and morale nurturing through Gemba walks, 1:1s, and regular team meetings.
- Solid understanding and experience in application of Lean manufacturing methodologies.
- Improvement focused approach, instilling this throughout the team.
- Robust experience in delivering significant changes or transformation projects for Production or Manufacturing environments.
- FMCG or Converting background due to the fast pace of our operations.
About Company
Northwood is a family-owned group of associated companies that provide the manufacturing, supply and transportation of paper hygiene and wiping products for both the away-from-home and consumer market. Our mission is to be the market-leading partner of choice in the away from home tissue industry. One of only a small handful of companies in the UK market that is fully vertically integrated; Northwood is involved at each point in the supply chain, from raw material supply, tissue and towel manufacturing, end-user product converting, storage and transportation. Our remit is huge, with a portfolio of products covering two key systems brands, professional wiping, commodity, consumer paper and private label. We sell into a distribution network spanning the UK, Ireland and Europe, which in turn service markets such as healthcare, hospitality, hotels, engineering, janitorial, catering and education. We are a highly successful, award-winning and ambitious business that has grown from a humble paper sales business to a market leader employing over 800 colleagues, across 11 sites in the UK and Spain. We differentiate ourselves by excelling in product quality alongside market-leading service and sales support.
DE&I
At Northwood, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone is welcomed and respected. We strive to promote a workplace that celebrates diversity and encourages individuals to express their opinions and beliefs. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all.
Benefits
- Company pension
- Life assurance
- Sick pay
- Free company products
- Free on-site parking
- Food, retail, holidays, cinema, and gyms discounts
- Wellness programmes, including Employee Assistance Program and OnDemand GP service
- Free early access to pay scheme
- Salary sacrifice schemes
- Employee referral scheme
Manufacturing Manager employer: Occy
Northwood is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and high-energy work culture, fostering employee growth through mentorship and hands-on leadership. With a commitment to continuous improvement and a focus on quality, employees benefit from a range of perks including wellness programmes, discounts, and a robust pension scheme, all while working in a family-owned company that values diversity and inclusion. Located across multiple sites in the UK and Spain, Northwood offers a unique opportunity to be part of a market-leading team in the fast-paced FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Manager
✨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 Occy, 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 Manufacturing Manager
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 Occy 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 Occy
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Occy, 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 Occy 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.
