Manufacturing Manager
Location: Cambridge
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: £60,000 - £68,000
The Opportunity
Smart4Sciences are recruiting for a Manufacturing Manager on behalf of a global advanced materials manufacturer supplying highly engineered products into aerospace and other demanding industrial sectors.
This is a significant manufacturing leadership opportunity, managing a large production operation with responsibility for plant performance, safety, quality, continuous improvement, new product introduction and people leadership. The successful candidate will lead a multi-disciplinary team of over 50 employees whilst overseeing high-value manufacturing assets, driving operational excellence, and supporting the scale-up of new technologies from R&D through to full production.
We're particularly interested in candidates with a background in chemical manufacturing, materials manufacturing, composites, polymers, coatings, resins or other process manufacturing environments, alongside proven experience leading teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead a manufacturing operation responsible for delivering products to demanding customer schedules, quality standards and operational targets.
- Manage, develop and mentor a team of 50+ employees including operators, supervisors and technical personnel.
- Take ownership of site safety performance, promoting a strong EHS culture and ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and procedures.
- Develop and execute annual production plans, ensuring resources are effectively utilised to meet business objectives.
- Drive operational performance across productivity, quality, cost, delivery and inventory metrics.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Root Cause Analysis and related methodologies.
- Manage quality investigations and non-conformance activities, ensuring robust corrective and preventative actions are implemented.
- Support new product introductions and technology transfers from laboratory scale through to full manufacturing production.
- Work closely with R&D teams to support product development and customer sampling programmes.
- Collaborate with maintenance teams to maximise equipment reliability and optimise preventative maintenance programmes.
- Support capital investment projects focused on safety, capacity, productivity and process improvements.
- Manage inventory, work-in-progress and stock levels to improve operational efficiency.
- Present operational performance updates to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
- Work cross-functionally with planning, logistics, engineering, maintenance, quality and commercial teams.
Skills & Experience Required
- Degree qualified in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Materials Science, Pharmaceutical Science or a related discipline.
- Proven manufacturing leadership experience within a chemical, materials, composites or process manufacturing environment.
- Experience managing production teams, supervisors and operational performance within a manufacturing operation.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs, production planning and operational excellence principles.
- Experience leading continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives.
- Excellent people management, communication and leadership skills.
- Experience managing multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Experience working closely with engineering, maintenance, quality and supply chain functions.
Desirable Experience
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, PFMEA or structured root cause analysis methodologies.
- Experience supporting new product introduction and technology transfer activities.
- Knowledge of composites, advanced materials, polymers, coatings or high-performance manufacturing processes.
- Experience using Minitab and manufacturing data analysis tools.
- Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
- Experience within aerospace, advanced materials or highly regulated manufacturing environments.
What's On Offer
- Opportunity to lead a large manufacturing operation within a global advanced materials business.
- Significant responsibility for safety, quality, people leadership and operational performance.
- Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and new product introduction programmes.
- Opportunity to work closely with R&D, engineering and commercial teams.
- Strong focus on continuous improvement, operational excellence and leadership development.
- Long-term career progression opportunities within a global manufacturing organisation.
- Opportunity to lead high-impact cost reduction and operational improvement projects.
Manufacturing Manager in Cambridge employer: Smart4 Sciences
Join our dynamic team as a Shift Maintenance Engineer in Huddersfield, where we prioritise employee growth and development within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, offering competitive benefits and opportunities for skill enhancement in a regulated environment. Experience the unique advantage of working in a state-of-the-art facility that values your contributions and promotes a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Manager in Cambridge
✨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 Smart4 Sciences, 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 Smart4 Sciences 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 Smart4 Sciences
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Smart4 Sciences, 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 Smart4 Sciences 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.
