At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform manufacturing operations for high-quality scientific instrumentation.
- Company: Established science and manufacturing SME with a global focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, pension contributions, and health insurance.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing and strong knowledge of production planning.
We are the internal recruitment partner for our client, an established, internationally focused science and manufacturing SME. We are supporting them in their search for an experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead and transform their manufacturing operations.
With a reputation built on scientific rigour, integrity and technical excellence, the business serves a global customer base and is entering an exciting phase of growth. This role offers a unique opportunity to overhaul and expand manufacturing capability, support increased sales volumes and play a pivotal role within the senior leadership team. This is a highly influential position for a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives on driving operational excellence and developing high-performing teams.
About the role:
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will lead the development and execution of the company's manufacturing strategy, ensuring production capability, capacity, quality and delivery performance align with customer requirements and business objectives. You will have overall responsibility for Manufacturing, Production Planning, Supply Chain, Quality and Operational Improvement activities across the business.
Working closely with Scientific, Engineering and Commercial teams, you will support business growth, product innovation and operational excellence, ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant production of high-quality precision scientific instrumentation. You will be responsible for the leadership and development of a manufacturing facility which includes low-volume electronic assembly, cable and wiring assembly, clean room operations, box-build assembly and product testing activities. Experience within electronic manufacturing, science-led manufacturing environments and ISO-regulated environments would be highly advantageous.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead manufacturing operations and strategy, ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant production of high-quality precision scientific instrumentation whilst supporting business growth and operational resilience.
- Oversee day-to-day manufacturing activities including production planning, capacity planning, resource allocation and operational performance management.
- Develop and monitor KPIs, dashboards and reporting frameworks to support data-driven decision making and continuous performance improvement.
- Drive operational excellence through Lean manufacturing initiatives, productivity improvements, waste reduction, cost optimisation and process enhancement programmes.
- Lead new product introduction (NPI), process scale-up activities and engineering-to-manufacturing transitions to support current and future product development.
- Manage manufacturing-related supply chain, inventory, logistics and supplier performance activities to ensure continuity of supply and operational effectiveness.
- Ensure domestic and international logistics activities comply with relevant import/export, customs and regulatory requirements.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and external partners, ensuring cost-effective and reliable operational performance.
- Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing manufacturing team through effective recruitment, workforce planning, coaching, training, succession planning and performance management.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, quality, employee engagement and continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Environmental, Quality and regulatory requirements, maintaining robust procedures, controls and safe systems of work.
- Lead risk management, business continuity planning and audit readiness activities across manufacturing and supply chain operations.
- Oversee manufacturing facilities, equipment, maintenance, calibration programmes and contractor management to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Drive manufacturing systems optimisation, automation, digitalisation and process improvement initiatives, ensuring effective use of ERP/MRP and operational reporting systems.
- Collaborate closely with Engineering, Scientific, Commercial and Senior Leadership teams to align manufacturing capability, product quality and customer delivery with business objectives.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
We're looking for an experienced manufacturing leader who combines technical credibility with strong commercial awareness, exceptional leadership skills and a passion for operational excellence.
Required experience:
- Proven leadership experience within manufacturing, production or operations management in a technical manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning and supply chain management.
- Experience improving productivity, quality, efficiency and delivery performance through continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capability.
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively across manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain and commercial functions.
- A naturally curious, proactive, resilient and accountable approach, with exceptional attention to detail and the confidence to make informed decisions and drive positive change.
- Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or a related discipline.
Live within a commutable distance to the offices in Rochester.
Preferred experience:
- Electronic manufacturing and box-build assembly.
- ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 environments.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
- ERP/MRP systems.
- Experience supporting technical, scientific, medical or research-focused products and customers.
- Precision engineering, scientific instrumentation or regulated manufacturing environments.
- High-mix, low-volume manufacturing operations within an SME environment.
- Experience scaling manufacturing operations and supporting business growth.
In return we are offering:
- Competitive salary: circa £50,000, depending on experience
- Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with a 30-minute unpaid break
- Holiday entitlement: 33 days per year, inclusive of bank and public holidays
- Pension: Employer contribution of 7.5%
- Death in Service: Available, subject to eligibility
- Permanent Health Insurance: Available, subject to eligibility
Interested? Then APPLY now for immediate consideration.
Manufacturing Manager in Rochester employer: Vero HR
Vero HR is an exceptional employer located in Peterborough, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a modern office environment and a comprehensive benefits package, including 25 days of annual leave plus your birthday off, Vero HR fosters a supportive atmosphere where team members can thrive while delivering outstanding client service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Manager in Rochester
✨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 Vero HR, 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 Manufacturing Manager in Rochester
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 Vero HR 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 Vero HR
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Vero HR, 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 Vero HR 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.
