- Wellbeing Initiatives
- Employee Recognition scheme
The Manufacturing Manager will be responsible for the leadership & performance of a cross functional team of Manufacturing Technical Leads and Production Operatives within the Composites department.
Responsibilities
- Capacity planning within budgeted manning & cost levels
- Production planning to Master Production Schedule and programme requirements
- Liaising with key stakeholders within other value streams and support functions to ensure timely delivery of composite components in line with MPS requirements
- Optimising workflow and layout in conjunction with Engineering, Quality and Continuous Improvement
- Ensuring all Company and regulatory quality, health and safety requirements are maintained and improved
- Ensuring correct and timely usage of MRP system by all functions within the value stream
- Drive a daily culture of continuous improvement by utilising lean principles to deliver operational cost reductions within a lean manufacturing environment
- Participating in on-site customer events and audits
- Driving year on year manufacturing efficiencies to support business growth
- Prioritise and delegate tasks to ensure productivity, quality & improvement targets are met in accordance with set KPI's and reporting on Weekly Key Performance Indicators to Senior Management
- Holiday management and resource planning
- Administration and reporting as necessary
- Develop and maintain standardised manufacturing processes across composite lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, trimming, bonding and assembly operations
- Ensure compliance with all process specifications, work instructions and customer requirements relating to composite manufacturing
- Lead RCCA investigations into Quality, Process and Safety Issues and ensure effective implementation of corrective actions
- Develop & maintain visual management systems in line with visual factory principles
- Lead & participate in projects to success via SMART objectives
- Co-ordinate cross training to maximise versatility of employees
- Maintain a high standard of housekeeping in accordance with visual factory and 5S principles
- Ensure clear communication to employees at all times, allowing the team to be fully briefed regarding operational performance and ongoing improvement plans
- Perform other duties as directed by the Operations Manager
Reward
- Competitive salary
- 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years' service)
- £5,000 employee referral bonus
- Health cash plan
- Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
- Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Life Assurance Scheme at x4 gross salary
- Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
- IVF & Assisted Conception Policy
- Women in Business - Corporate Member
- Wellbeing Initiatives
- Employee Recognition scheme
- Service Awards
- Local charity / sponsorship activities
- Dedicated employee parking
- Discounted Gym membership
- Learning and development opportunities
- Career progression
Essential
- Management/Supervisory experience in a highly regulated Engineering/Manufacturing environment
- Proficient working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems
- Proven track record in Lean Manufacturing and driving continuous improvement
- Experience of training a team in a high paced Lean Production Environment
- Working knowledge of KPIs and Operational processes
- Experience of work-based data analysis and problem solving to enable focused and planned process improvements
Desirable
- Third Level Qualification or Equivalent
- Experience within composites manufacturing, aerospace manufacturing or a similarly regulated environment
- Working knowledge of composite manufacturing processes including lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, trimming, bonding and assembly
We reserve the right to enhance criteria on shortlisting.
Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer.
The closing date for applications is the 4th October 2026 at 17:00.
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Manufacturing Manager in Portadown employer: Thompson Aero Seating
Thompson Aero Seating is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, allowing Electrical Design Engineers to thrive in a dynamic environment. With flexible hours and a commitment to global impact, employees benefit from continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to work on cutting-edge aerospace projects that shape the future of seating design. The company's dedication to quality and teamwork ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Manager in Portadown
✨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 Thompson Aero Seating, 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 Thompson Aero Seating 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 Thompson Aero Seating
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Thompson Aero Seating, 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 Thompson Aero Seating 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.
