Head of Precision Manufacturing Site in Hertford

This global manufacturer within the precision mechanical and machine‑manufacturing sector is seeking an experienced, forward‑thinking Manufacturing Site Manager / Plant Manager with a strong engineering background and a deep appreciation for CNC machining, CMM inspection, and complex engineered components. You will lead a high‑mix, high‑precision manufacturing environment where quality, repeatability, and process capability are critical. This role requires a leader who understands the technical demands of machining, the importance of robust engineering standards, and the operational discipline needed to deliver world‑class performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Growth. You will shape the site's long‑term operational vision while driving daily excellence, embedding Continuous Improvement, and ensuring the organisation consistently exceeds customer and stakeholder expectations.

Organisational Leadership

• Hold full responsibility for all site operations, including machining, assembly, engineering, facilities, planning, P&L, tactical purchasing, materials management, and team leadership.
• Lead a technically skilled workforce across CNC machining, CMM/metrology, and engineered product manufacturing, ensuring capability, compliance, and continuous skills development.
• Work closely with key customers in aerospace, automotive, industrial, or precision‑engineering markets to maintain service levels, protect revenue, and identify new growth opportunities.
• Guide and coordinate cross‑functional teams and value streams by setting clear priorities, driving daily operational routines, and ensuring timely corrective actions that protect customer satisfaction.
• Develop, mentor, and empower the site's leadership group to build long‑term capability and consistently deliver high‑performance outcomes.
• Create and articulate a strong operational direction for the site, supported by defined metrics, transparent reporting, and visible progress tracking.
• Foster a learning‑focused environment where performance gaps are recognised early, problem‑solving is embedded, and continuous adaptation drives ongoing improvement.
• Ensure alignment between immediate operational needs and long‑range business objectives, with a strong focus on engineering excellence, change leadership, and sustainable growth.

Driving Business & Technical Performance

• Set clear performance expectations across the organisation by defining critical metrics and ensuring teams understand priorities and deliver against them.
• Act as the leading advocate for Environmental, Health & Safety standards, ensuring the wellbeing of employees and the integrity of all products remain uncompromised.
• Oversee the site's full operating rhythm—daily, weekly, and monthly—to maintain strong performance across machining, inspection, assembly, and supporting functions.
• Take full accountability for operational and financial results, including Revenue, Operating Income, and Cash performance, while managing budgets to support both short‑term needs and long‑range strategic plans.
• Work closely with engineering, quality, and central support teams to deliver seamless customer service and uphold best‑in‑class operational standards.
• Collaborate with senior business leadership to shape annual operating plans, including capital expenditure proposals, machine tool investments, automation strategies, and long‑term capability development.
• Accelerate operational speed by eliminating waste, reducing lead times, and improving process capability across CNC machining and inspection.
• Increase inventory velocity by applying Lean principles and disciplined working‑capital control to optimise stock levels.
• Provide clear, timely performance communication to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment across the organisation.
• Set the direction for Continuous Improvement and maintain a structured, high‑frequency review cycle to sustain momentum.
• Maintain a strong presence on the shop floor, actively supporting teams during kaizen workshops, machining process reviews, and hands‑on improvement activities.
• Develop a high‑accountability culture by building a team that delivers reliably, follows through on commitments, and consistently raises performance standards.
• Attract, develop, and retain top talent by offering meaningful feedback, coaching, and recognition that supports long‑term growth.
• Keep communication open and consistent through regular all‑employee updates that reinforce priorities, progress, and shared goals.

Professional Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in precision mechanical manufacturing, ideally within CNC machining, engineered components, or complex assemblies.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role (Plant Manager, Site Manager, Operations Manager) with demonstrable results.
• Strong understanding of machining processes, tooling, metrology, CMM inspection, and engineering change control.
• Proven Lean expertise with a track record of leading transformational change.
• Excellent communication skills, high energy, strong ownership mindset, and a sense of urgency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft products (Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint).
• Hands‑on experience with CI tools such as 80/20, Value Stream Mapping, 6S, Lean Conversion, Standard Work, Visual Daily Management, Kanban/Replenishment, FMEA, and Advanced Problem Solving.
• Strong critical‑thinking and analytical skills with a bias toward data‑driven decision‑making.
• Solid financial and operational acumen to support demand/supply planning and performance management.