Head of Manufacturing in Widnes

Head of Manufacturing An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced manufacturing leader to join a growing organisation operating within a highly regulated GMP environment. Following significant business growth and continued investment, the organisation is seeking a Head of Manufacturing to take ownership of manufacturing performance across a large and complex production operation. This role will play a critical part in shaping operational strategy, driving performance and building a culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement and customer excellence. As a key member of the site leadership team, the successful candidate will have responsibility for a substantial manufacturing workforce and multiple production areas, ensuring operational activities consistently deliver against safety, quality, service and financial objectives. The Opportunity * Lead all manufacturing operations across a large-scale GMP production environment. * Drive operational performance across safety, quality, delivery, productivity and cost metrics. * Develop and execute operational strategies that support both customer requirements and wider business objectives. * Build a high-performance culture focused on ownership, accountability and execution. * Ensure GMP standards and operational disciplines are embedded throughout the manufacturing operation. * Lead and develop operational leadership teams, creating clear succession and capability development plans. * Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency and overall manufacturing performance. * Champion operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives across the site. * Work closely with Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering and Commercial teams to ensure successful delivery of business objectives. * Support customer relationships through reliable operational execution and service excellence. * Utilise data, KPIs and financial metrics to drive decision making and site performance. * Identify and implement best practice from both internal and external manufacturing environments. About You We are looking for a proven manufacturing leader who combines strong operational expertise with the ability to engage, influence and drive lasting change. You will bring: * Significant operations leadership experience within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment. * A strong background within contract manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, contract packaging or similarly regulated industries. * Experience leading large manufacturing teams through periods of growth, transformation or increasing operational complexity. * Proven success managing operational budgets and delivering against financial targets. * A track record of improving manufacturing performance through strong leadership and operational discipline. * Experience implementing and embedding GMP standards within manufacturing operations. * Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs, operational performance management and continuous improvement methodologies. * The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership. * Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels. * A proactive, results-driven approach with a focus on execution and accountability. Why Consider This Role? This is a genuine leadership opportunity within a growing and ambitious manufacturing business where operations plays a central role in future success. The successful individual will inherit a substantial manufacturing operation, enjoy significant autonomy and have the opportunity to make a visible impact on site performance, culture and long-term growth. For an operational leader who enjoys driving improvement, developing teams and delivering results within a customer-focused GMP environment, this role offers both challenge and opportunity in equal measure. Manufacturing, production, GMP, excellence, continuous, improvement, manager, supervisor