Head of Manufacturing

Head of Manufacturing

Full-Time 35806 - 43762 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead manufacturing operations and drive performance across key metrics in a state-of-the-art facility.
  • Company: Join a world leader in advanced technology systems with a culture of innovation.
  • Benefits: Opportunity for career progression, strong support, and investment in your development.
  • Other info: Be part of an exciting growth journey in a dynamic, high-tech environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by building a scalable production facility and leading high-performing teams.
  • Qualifications: Degree in engineering or manufacturing, with Lean/Six Sigma training and leadership experience.

The predicted salary is between 35806 - 43762 £ per year.

Our client is a world leader in the manufacture of advanced technology systems used in a variety of high growth emerging sectors.

With this growth expected to continue, the business is projecting to triple their revenues in the next 5 years so one of the key challenges is scalability within the Operations function. ie. developing people, structure and processes to ensure the facility is capable of delivering the anticipated growth.

Having recently built a new state of the art manufacturing facility located just outside of Bristol, the company is looking to recruit a new Head of Manufacturing who will lead manufacturing, assembly, test and warehousing.

They will be fully accountable for leading end-to-end production operations, driving performance across Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and People (SQCDP) metrics, whilst building leadership capability, improving production flow and embedding a culture of continuous improvement.

As part of the Operations leadership team, the Head of Manufacturing will also play a key role in strategy deployment, cross-functional alignment and scaling manufacturing capability to support future growth.

As a senior manager, they will participate in projects across the business / Group and act as a delegate for the Operations Director, as required.

  • Driving Lean manufacturing and CI initiatives to improve flow, efficiency and scalability.
  • Supporting the development of existing and implementation of new business systems.
  • Reducing waste across materials, processes and systems, supporting high-volume manufacturing readiness.
  • Using SQCDP metrics and data insights to prioritise and deliver improvement initiatives.
  • Delivering margin improvement through control of labour, rework, scrap, overtime and WIP.
  • Improving product quality through robust root cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Standardising processes and systems to drive consistency and efficiency.
  • Partnering with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Logistics, Planning, Quality, Supply Chain and Commercial teams.
  • Supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), ensuring manufacturability and production readiness.
  • Leading pre-production builds and ensure smooth transition into full-scale.
  • Building, coaching and developing high-performing teams, including line managers and technical specialists.
  • Identifying capability gaps and driving succession planning, hiring and skills development.
  • Fostering a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.

As this is a new state of the art manufacturing facility operating within a complex, low volume high tech market, the client is looking for the following experience in the new Head of

Manufacturing

  • Degree in engineering, manufacturing or a related discipline plus Lean / Six Sigma training.
  • An experienced and credible manufacturing leader with a track record of delivering results in complex, high-technology environments.
  • Will have ideally worked with a high mix of products (ie. with a high volume of components) in a low to medium volume, high value equipment environment, involving assembly and test.
  • Proven experience leading production or operations teams at scale.
  • Strong background in Lean manufacturing, problem solving and continuous improvement.
  • Skilled in developing leaders and building high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Data-driven, with experience using ERP, MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and production systems to inform decisions.
  • Agile to be able to cope with a dynamic environment with dynamic customers.
  • A genuine passion and interest for driving Operations.

My client is on an exciting growth journey and the candidate will be joining a company with the support, investment and infrastructure of a strong, established PLC, but with the culture of an innovative and ambitious company who genuinely values its people.

This Head of Manufacturing role will suit an experienced, collaborative production/operations leader who knows what operational excellence looks like within a modern manufacturing facility.

This is a genuine opportunity for someone to make a difference and leave a legacy as they build a production facility capable of tripling in size.

In return, there will be a strong chance to progress within the business as it grows as well within the wider international group.

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Head of Manufacturing employer: Oryx Executive Search

Join a pioneering company at the forefront of advanced technology systems manufacturing, located in a state-of-the-art facility just outside Bristol. As an employer, we prioritise employee growth and development, offering robust training and leadership opportunities within a culture that champions innovation and continuous improvement. With ambitious plans for expansion, you will play a crucial role in shaping our operations while enjoying the support of a well-established PLC, making this an exciting and rewarding place to advance your career.

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Contact Details:

Oryx Executive Search Recruitment Team

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 Oryx Executive Search, 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

Lean Manufacturing
Six Sigma
Continuous Improvement
Production Operations Management
Data Analysis
Root Cause Analysis
Team Leadership

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 Oryx Executive Search 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 Oryx Executive Search

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Oryx Executive Search, 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 Oryx Executive Search 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.