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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape multi-site manufacturing operations in a fast-growing engineering company.
- Company: High-growth engineering manufacturer with a focus on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Monday to Friday hours, and early finishes on Fridays.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovation and building high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior manufacturing leadership and strong engineering background.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 75000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a high-growth engineering manufacturer as Head of Manufacturing. This is a senior leadership role offering the chance to shape manufacturing strategy, lead multi-site operations, and drive operational excellence within a fast-scaling business.
The Role
You will take full ownership of the manufacturing function across multiple sites, leading teams to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational involvement, requiring a strong presence across the shop floor and close engagement with production teams. This is a high-impact role suited to someone from an engineering or manufacturing background who thrives in fast-paced, growth-focused environments and enjoys building high-performing teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Strategy
- Lead and develop multi-site manufacturing operations
- Set clear direction and drive a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement
- Build and mentor a strong leadership team including Production Managers and Supervisors
- Operational Delivery
- Oversee production planning, capacity, and resource management
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, safely, and to the highest quality standards
- Identify and resolve bottlenecks and operational challenges
- Operational Excellence
- Drive efficiency, productivity, and cost control across all sites
- Implement and lead Lean / continuous improvement initiatives
- Maintain high standards across health & safety, quality, and compliance
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with planning, quality, commercial, and engineering teams
- Support alignment between manufacturing and wider business objectives
- Engage with senior stakeholders to support business growth and delivery
- Continuous Improvement & Growth
- Lead initiatives to scale operations and improve performance
- Drive innovation and implement smarter ways of working
- Embed a culture of ongoing improvement and operational excellence
Requirements
- Proven experience in a senior manufacturing or operations leadership role
- Strong background within engineering or manufacturing environments
- Experience leading multi-site operations and large teams
- Demonstrated success in process improvement and operational efficiency
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop and influence teams
- Experience working in fast-paced or high-growth environments
Desirable
- Experience with Lean, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence frameworks
- Experience supporting business growth or scaling operations
Key Skills
- Strong leadership with a hands-on, 'boots on the ground' approach
- Excellent planning, organisational, and decision-making ability
- Ability to manage complexity and drive results across multiple sites
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a focus on delivery
What's on Offer
- £70,000 - £75,000 salary
- Monday to Friday working pattern with early finish on Fridays
- Opportunity to lead and shape multi-site manufacturing operations
- High-growth business with strong long-term career potential
- Key leadership role with real influence across the organisation
Head of Manufacturing in Craigavon employer: VANRATH
Contact Detail:
VANRATH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing in Craigavon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their manufacturing processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you're not just a fit on paper but also in spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about what you bring to the table and how you can help them scale operations. A confident, concise introduction can make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing in Craigavon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of Manufacturing role. Highlight your leadership experience, especially in multi-site operations, and any achievements in operational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven efficiency and built high-performing teams in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. We want to know how you engage with teams on the shop floor and how you foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our high-growth business.
How to prepare for a job interview at VANRATH
✨Know Your Manufacturing Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering and manufacturing knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific processes, technologies, and methodologies you've used in the past. This will show that you’re not just a leader but also someone who understands the nitty-gritty of operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've built and mentored teams in previous roles. Think about times when you’ve driven accountability and performance. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on approach and how you engage with your teams on the shop floor.
✨Be Ready for Operational Challenges
Expect questions about how you’ve tackled bottlenecks or operational issues in the past. Have a few solid examples ready that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to implement Lean or continuous improvement initiatives.
✨Align with Business Objectives
Understand the company's goals and how the manufacturing function fits into the bigger picture. Be prepared to discuss how you would support business growth and align manufacturing strategies with wider organisational objectives. This shows you’re thinking beyond just the manufacturing floor.