Manufacturing Director - Offsite Construction in Northampton

SES Engineering Services (part of Wates Construction) are seeking an experienced strategic leader with a manufacturing background to take control of our expanding Offsite Manufacturing Division, a highly acclaimed specialist business that provides a wide range of offsite products to support Mechanical and Electrical installations on a range of high profile construction projects across the UK. As a key division within the SES business, we are committed to driving innovation and excellence in offsite construction methods, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and superior service delivery.

Our offsite manufacturing facilities are at the forefront of transforming how we approach complex projects, delivering state-of-the-art solutions that make a real impact.

About The Role

The Manufacturing and Assembly Director will be responsible for overseeing the full scope of operations within the SES Manufacturing division. This strategic leadership role is focused on improving operational efficiency, driving profitability, and ensuring the production of high-quality products. The Director will lead a diverse team, implement best practices, and cultivate a culture of innovation, high performance, and continuous improvement. The role will have ownership and accountability for collaborating with cross-functional teams across SES, the wider Wates Group, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with business objectives and the successful execution of key initiatives.

We are looking for an experienced and visionary leader with a track record of driving manufacturing business growth, optimising operational efficiency, and fostering a high-performance team culture. As our Manufacturing Director some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the business strategy for the Offsite Manufacturing Division in alignment with SES's overall vision and objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee daily operations through the existing and highly capable management team, ensuring efficient resource allocation, adherence to company policies, and the achievement of divisional targets.
• Business Growth and Development: Take a strategic lead in identifying developing new markets as well as increasing the product range and business capabilities.
• Financial Management: Manage the division’s budget and financial performance, including forecasting, expense management, and identifying opportunities for cost optimisation.
• Team Development: Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing team, nurturing a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Client Relationships: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key clients, stakeholders, and partners to enhance customer satisfaction and drive business opportunities.
• Market Insights: Monitor market trends and the competitive landscape, adapting strategies to meet evolving customer needs and identifying areas for growth.
• Risk Management: Identify operational risks and develop effective mitigation strategies to ensure compliance with all regulatory frameworks and company policies.
• Board Reporting: Provide regular updates to the SES Board on divisional performance, including key metrics, challenges, and strategic initiatives.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with other Divisional leaders and functions to ensure alignment and synergy across the organisation.

What We’re Looking For

• Exceptional Leadership: Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire teams to achieve exceptional results, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture within a manufacturing environment.
• Financial Acumen: Strong experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and cost optimisation.
• Strategic Thinking: Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to drive business growth and operational efficiency.
• Communication: Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and across departments.
• Risk Management: Experience identifying operational risks and developing strategies to mitigate them, ensuring smooth operations within the division.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary & profit share scheme
• Flexible working
• Car Allowance / Company Car
• Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates)
• Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 6% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more…
• Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression.
• Industry leading family leave benefits to include 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 8 weeks fully paid paternity.

As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned business means we understand and value long term relationships.