At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire production teams to drive continuous improvement in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established manufacturer committed to operational excellence and employee development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent position, ongoing training, and genuine progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a modern environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving processes and developing high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing leadership and strong knowledge of Lean principles.
- Lean Manufacturing Manager
- Location: Ashton-under-Lyne Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 DOE Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Are you a hands-on manufacturing leader with a passion for Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement?
We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established and growing manufacturer looking for an experienced Lean Manufacturing Manager to lead production teams across our clients busy and growing Assembly department.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a business that genuinely invests in its people, embraces Lean principles and is committed to driving operational excellence.
You'll be a visible leader on the shop floor, inspiring your team, improving processes and embedding a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
The Role
Reporting to the Operations Manager, you'll take ownership of both people leadership and operational performance, ensuring production targets are achieved while continuously improving safety, quality, productivity and efficiency.
This is a role for someone who enjoys coaching others, challenging existing processes and delivering measurable improvements across a busy manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate and develop production teams across multiple manufacturing departments.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Coach and mentor employees to maximise performance and engagement.
- Lead Kaizen events and improvement workshops.
- Embed Lean tools including 6S, Standard Work, Visual Management and structured problem solving.
- Monitor and improve Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People (SQDCP) performance.
- Identify production bottlenecks and implement sustainable improvements.
- Promote a strong Health & Safety culture across the operation.
- Ensure production targets are achieved while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
- Support training, succession planning and employee development.
- Champion workplace organisation, visual management and equipment ownership.
About You
We're looking for an experienced manufacturing leader who can influence change and develop high-performing teams.
You'll ideally have
- Previous experience as a Production Supervisor/Manager, Manufacturing Supervisor/Manager, Team Leader or Continuous Improvement Leader.
- Proven experience leading teams within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Experience driving cultural change and improving operational performance.
- Excellent coaching, communication and people management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
- A solid understanding of Health & Safety and Quality systems.
Desirable
- Experience within Assembly, Electronics, SMT, Electro-Mechanical or Fabrication manufacturing.
- Lean Practitioner or Six Sigma Green Belt qualification.
- Knowledge of TPM, Value Stream Mapping and Daily Management Systems.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems such as SAP.
- HNC/HND in Engineering or Manufacturing (or equivalent).
- What's on Offer
- Permanent full-time position.
- Opportunity to play a key role in driving operational excellence.
- Supportive leadership team with genuine opportunities for progression.
- Work within a modern manufacturing environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
If you're a proactive manufacturing leader who thrives on developing people, improving processes and delivering measurable business improvements, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today for immediate consideration.
Start People are the acting agency working on this assignment
Lean Manufacturing Manager in Ashton-under-Lyne employer: Start People Ltd
Start People Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a competitive salary of up to £50,000 along with a company vehicle and a comprehensive benefits package. With a strong focus on employee growth through ongoing training and development, the supportive team culture ensures that you will thrive in your role as a CO2 Refrigeration Service Engineer in Birkenhead, while contributing to high-quality service in a respected engineering business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lean Manufacturing Manager in Ashton-under-Lyne
✨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 Start People Ltd, 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Lean Manufacturing Manager in Ashton-under-Lyne
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 Start People Ltd 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 Start People Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Start People Ltd, 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 Start People Ltd 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.
