Manufacturing Site Manager 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.