Location - Hemel Hempstead - 5 days on site
Are you an experienced manufacturing leader who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment?
We’re working with a high-growth consumer products business undergoing an exciting period of transformation and expansion. As the business continues to scale, they are looking for a Head of Manufacturing to take full ownership of their manufacturing operation and play a key role in building the foundations for the next stage of growth.
This is a newly created leadership position with genuine scope to make your mark. You’ll have ownership of a manufacturing site, a small but established leadership team, external manufacturing partners and the wider manufacturing strategy.
The Opportunity
This is not a role for someone who wants to sit behind a desk managing from a distance.
You’ll be a visible, hands-on leader who takes ownership of the people, culture, facilities, production, engineering, quality, safety and performance of the site. The operation is relatively small, which means you’ll have the opportunity to influence virtually every aspect of manufacturing and make meaningful improvements quickly.
You’ll also oversee relationships with external co-manufacturers and contribute to the development of a broader manufacturing network as the business expands internationally.
Key Responsibilities
- Take full ownership of day-to-day manufacturing operations, including production, engineering, maintenance, HSE, quality and continuous improvement.
- Lead and develop a small manufacturing leadership team, creating clear accountability, confidence and autonomy.
- Establish a strong culture around health, safety, quality, compliance and operational excellence.
- Identify and deliver improvements across efficiency, capacity, yield, cost, quality and downtime.
- Lead the implementation of new manufacturing equipment and ensure assets are reliable, well maintained and fit for future growth.
- Develop and implement Lean / Continuous Improvement initiatives.
- Own manufacturing performance metrics, reporting and operating rhythms.
- Work closely with Product Development and on-site technical teams to ensure new and existing products can be manufactured effectively.
- Partner with Procurement and Supply Chain on raw material quality, security of supply, dual sourcing and packaging.
- Manage and develop co-manufacturing relationships, including identifying and onboarding new manufacturing partners.
- Provide a clear, data-led view of manufacturing capability, challenging unrealistic expectations while finding practical solutions.
- Support longer-term manufacturing strategy beyond a single site as the business continues to scale.
What We’re Looking For
We’re interested in experienced manufacturing leaders who have actually run a factory or manufacturing site and are comfortable taking ownership.
You’ll ideally bring:
- Proven experience leading a manufacturing operation and managing a smaller, site-based team.
- Experience implementing new manufacturing equipment and improving manufacturing processes.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing fundamentals, including quality, compliance, HSE, maintenance and operational performance.
- A track record of driving improvements in both efficiency and compliance.
- Experience with Lean, Continuous Improvement, TPM or similar methodologies.
- The confidence to make decisions and empower teams rather than having every issue escalated.
- A highly hands-on approach and willingness to get involved in the detail when required.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across Product, Supply Chain, Procurement and commercial teams.
- The ability to operate beyond the immediate site and think about manufacturing strategy more broadly.
- A genuine commitment to health and safety and consistently high operational standards.
Sector background is flexible.
Experience across FMCG, food, personal care, pharmaceutical, chemicals or other regulated manufacturing environments could all be relevant. What matters most is your manufacturing leadership capability and your ability to operate effectively in a high-growth environment.
If you’re a confident, hands-on manufacturing leader looking for an opportunity where you can have genuine ownership and visible impact, we’d be keen to hear from you.
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Head of Manufacturing in Hemel Hempstead employer: Practicus
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing organisation in London as a Talent Acquisition Manager, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the recruitment function from the ground up. With a strong focus on employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and competitive benefits including a travel allowance, this role offers a chance to make a significant impact while working alongside ambitious professionals in the construction and engineering sectors. Embrace the challenge of building effective hiring processes and enjoy a supportive environment that values innovation and direct recruitment strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing in Hemel Hempstead
✨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 Practicus, 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!
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 Practicus 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 Practicus
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Practicus, 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 Practicus 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.
