At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve manufacturing operations in a dynamic, hands-on role.
- Company: Established bespoke manufacturing business in North Devon with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and long-term growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a growing company and shape the future of manufacturing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational performance and team development.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in manufacturing and strong people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Seeking an experienced Head of Manufacturing to join our client, a well-established and growing bespoke manufacturing business based in North Devon, supplying a broad range of industrial and commercial sectors.
As part of its continued growth and operational development, the business is seeking an experienced and hands-on Head of Manufacturing to lead the production operation through its next phase of development, performance improvement and scalability. This is a senior operational leadership role with genuine influence across the business. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the successful candidate will take ownership of manufacturing performance, accountability, operational structure and continuous improvement across a multi-area production environment.
This is not an office-based operations role. It is a visible, shop-floor-led leadership position suited to someone who thrives within a bespoke manufacturing environment and is confident leading people, improving standards and driving operational performance. The business has built a strong reputation within its sector and is investing in the next stage of operational growth and development.
The Head of Manufacturing will lead the day-to-day manufacturing operation, ensuring output, efficiency, quality and OTIF performance are delivered consistently and sustainably. This role is centred around people leadership, operational discipline and building a scalable manufacturing structure capable of supporting future growth. The successful candidate will work closely with Production Managers and the wider leadership team to improve communication, accountability, planning visibility and operational consistency across the business.
Key Responsibilities for the Head of Manufacturing- Drive output, labour efficiency and on-time delivery performance
- Identify and remove operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies
- Align production capacity with customer demand and operational priorities
- Maintain high standards of quality, discipline, safety and housekeeping
- Improve operational visibility and overall manufacturing performance
- Lead, support and develop Production Managers and supervisory teams
- Establish a clear culture of accountability, pace, communication and professionalism
- Run structured daily operational meetings and performance reviews
- Strengthen management capability and consistency across the factory
- Lead operational change positively whilst maintaining team engagement and stability
- Improve scheduling visibility, coordination and forward planning
- Embed KPI discipline and accurate operational reporting
- Support ERP/MRP system development and operational usage
- Ensure proactive problem solving and effective escalation management
- Improve coordination between production, planning and commercial functions
- Improve workflow, layout and productivity in a practical and measurable manner
- Reduce reliance on individuals through stronger systems and structure
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing operation
- Support long-term operational planning and future business growth
- Help build a scalable and resilient manufacturing function capable of supporting continued expansion
The successful candidate will be an experienced manufacturing leader with a strong operational background and a visible, hands-on leadership style. You will demonstrate the following skills & experience:
- Proven senior leadership experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment
- Strong people leadership and team management capability
- A track record of driving accountability, operational performance and improvement
- Experience managing Production Managers and structured manufacturing teams
- Strong commercial awareness and confident decision-making ability
- The ability to positively challenge existing practices and lead change effectively
- Excellent organisational, communication and operational planning skills
- A practical, solutions-focused approach combined with strategic operational thinking
- Experience within bespoke manufacturing, industrial production or engineered manufacturing environments would be advantageous, although not essential.
- Calm, decisive and solutions-focused
- Organised and structured
- Resilient and performance-driven
- Commercially aware
- Approachable but authoritative
- Naturally proactive and improvement-focused
- Comfortable operating within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Able to build credibility and trust quickly across all levels of the business
- Competitive salary dependent on experience
- Performance-related bonus potential
- Senior leadership role with genuine operational influence
- Long-term opportunity within a growing manufacturing business
- Opportunity to play a key role in shaping and strengthening the future manufacturing operation
Head of Manufacturing Operations. Job in Barnstaple LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Join a well-established bespoke manufacturing business in North Devon as the Head of Manufacturing Operations, where you will lead a dynamic team in a hands-on, shop-floor environment. The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, offering competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and significant opportunities for professional growth within a supportive and innovative workplace. With a strong reputation in the industry and a commitment to operational excellence, this role provides a unique chance to influence the future of manufacturing while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of North Devon.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing Operations. Job in Barnstaple LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, recent projects, and any news about them. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s a great way to get insider info and make a good impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tough questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Manufacturing. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven performance improvements and led teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can set you apart from other candidates and keep you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing Operations. Job in Barnstaple LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Manufacturing role. Highlight your leadership experience and any specific achievements in manufacturing that align with the job description. We want to see how you can drive performance and lead teams!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this hands-on leadership position. Share your passion for manufacturing and how your experience can contribute to our client's growth.
Showcase Your People Skills:Since this role is all about people leadership, make sure to highlight your ability to develop and support teams. We want to know how you've built accountability and communication in previous roles, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly. Let’s get started on this exciting opportunity together!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Manufacturing Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your manufacturing knowledge, especially in bespoke environments. Be ready to discuss specific processes, technologies, and how you've improved operational performance in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your hands-on leadership approach. Talk about how you've led teams through change, improved accountability, and fostered a culture of communication and professionalism.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think of real-life bottlenecks you've encountered and how you resolved them. This will show your practical, solutions-focused mindset.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the company’s growth plans and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their operational development. Show that you understand their goals and how your experience aligns with their needs.
