At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design and manufacturing strategy in a cutting-edge aerospace environment.
- Company: Specialist aerospace business backed by a major defence organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £75,000 and opportunities for transformational leadership.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team of 33 and drive impactful change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aerospace with innovative technologies and processes.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in design and manufacturing, ideally in aerospace.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
A specialist aerospace business - backed by a major tier-one defence organisation with a five-year investment programme underway - is looking for a Head of Design & Manufacturing to join its Senior Leadership Team. This is a transformational moment for the business. New technologies, facilities, and ways of working are being introduced at pace. If you want a role where you're shaping what comes next rather than maintaining the status quo, this is worth a conversation.
The Role
Reporting to the CEO, you'll have full accountability for design and manufacturing strategy, delivery, and performance - including Manufacturing Authority, budget ownership, and leading a multi-disciplined engineering team across design, manufacturing, and shop floor operations.
What You'll Need
- Leadership experience in design and manufacturing (Ideally within aerospace)
- Track record delivering complex, high-value programmes to time, cost, and quality
- Experience leading transformational change across people, processes, and technology
- Strong governance and compliance knowledge, including Delegation of Authority
- Commercial acumen - you'll own budgets, investment, and capacity decisions
NOTE: this is a line management position with 7 direct reports and an overall team of 33. This will not be right for Project / Programme managers who do not have direct line management experience of Manufacturing departments.
The Details
£75,000 salary
On-site in Bedford
If this sounds like your next move, apply with your CV for a confidential conversation.
Head of Manufacturing in Luton employer: SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™
Join a pioneering aerospace business in Bedford, where innovation meets opportunity. As a Head of Manufacturing, you'll be at the forefront of transformational change, leading a dynamic team and shaping the future of aerospace design and manufacturing. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive salary, and a collaborative work culture backed by a major tier-one defence organisation, this role offers a unique chance to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving industry.
Contact Details:
SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™ Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing in Luton
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™ for a Head of Manufacturing. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™ love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
