At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic manufacturing team to drive performance and improve efficiency on the factory floor.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on innovation and employee development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health perks, generous holiday, and family-friendly benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values continuous improvement and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Five years of management experience in a high-variety manufacturing setting is preferred.
The opportunity
We're looking for an experienced, people-focused Head of Manufacturing to lead our manufacturing operation and a production team of approximately 100 people. Operating within a fast-paced, high-variety, made-to-order environment, you'll be responsible for delivering customer demand while driving performance across safety, quality, productivity, efficiency and people development. This isn't a role to lead from behind a desk. We're looking for someone with a strong presence on the factory floor, working closely with our Shift Manager and Team Leaders to drive performance, tackle issues at source and build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. You'll focus on increasing output and efficiency, reducing reliance on overtime, tackling waste and scrap, improving workplace standards and developing a strong manufacturing leadership team.
What you'll be responsible for
- You'll take ownership of the day-to-day performance of Manufacturing, ensuring production plans are delivered safely, efficiently, on time and to the quality standards our customers expect.
- Drive daily and hour-by-hour production performance, ensuring resources are aligned to customer demand.
- Improve productivity, throughput and labour utilisation through better processes and working practices.
- Reduce overtime dependency through effective workforce planning and increased productivity.
- Identify and tackle the root causes of waste, scrap, quality and recurring operational issues.
- Lead continuous improvement activity including 5S, Kaizen and structured problem solving.
- Work collaboratively with Planning, Customer Service, Quality and Operations to improve overall performance and OTIF.
- Lead, coach and develop the Shift Manager and Team Leaders, creating a strong and accountable frontline leadership team.
- Set clear expectations and manage performance, attendance and conduct consistently and fairly.
- Take ownership of Production recruitment, training and workforce development.
- Champion excellent housekeeping, workplace organisation and safe working practices.
What we're looking for
We're looking for someone who is equally comfortable driving the numbers and leading the people behind them. You'll ideally bring:
- At least five years' management experience within a high-variety, made-to-order manufacturing environment.
- Experience leading sizeable production teams through Shift Managers, Team Leaders or similar.
- A strong track record of improving output, productivity and operational efficiency.
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to set high standards, hold people accountable and build engagement.
- Excellent organisation, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Experience of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen and continuous improvement.
- The resilience and adaptability to operate effectively within a fast-moving manufacturing environment.
- A Six Sigma qualification would be advantageous, although practical experience of delivering measurable continuous improvement is equally important.
What success looks like
Success will be visible both on the factory floor and in the numbers: customer demand delivered, productivity improving, overtime reducing, waste and scrap coming down, strong quality and OTIF performance, and an engaged manufacturing team delivering consistently.
Our benefits
Alongside a competitive salary and company car, you'll have access to a benefits package designed around your wellbeing, future and life outside of work:
- Health & Wellbeing - Medicash healthcare plan, 24/7 virtual GP, confidential wellbeing support and gym discounts.
- Family & Financial - Subsidised healthcare, Scottish Widows pension, life assurance and enhanced family-friendly benefits.
- Time & Recognition - 25 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays, Christmas shutdown and long-service recognition.
- Everyday Extras - Cycle to Work scheme, retail discounts, company social events and selected Wycombe Wanderers tickets.
Head of Manufacturing employer: Origin Global
At Origin Global, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every Warehouse Operator is valued and empowered to grow. With comprehensive benefits like subsidised healthcare, generous overtime opportunities, and a full company closure over Christmas, we ensure our employees enjoy a balanced work-life experience while contributing to the creation of bespoke aluminium products that transform homes across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing
✨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 Origin Global, 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
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 Origin Global 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 Origin Global
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Origin Global, 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 Origin Global 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.
