At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise manufacturing processes while managing a large team.
- Company: Join a leading firm in heavy metal machinery with a rich history of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, hybrid work, private healthcare, and a 15% bonus.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture focused on operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in leadership within lean manufacturing; relevant qualifications required.
- Other info: Ideal for candidates in Antrim, Belfast, and surrounding areas.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
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Head of Manufacturing (Head of Fabrication)
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Client:
Location:
United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
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EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
fe4059bb10de
Job Views:
8
Posted:
12.07.2025
Expiry Date:
26.08.2025
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Job Description:
Head of Manufacturing
EXCLUSIVE TO VICKERSTOCK
Newtownabbey – North Belfast / South Antrim area
Monday to Friday with flex start finish times (Early finish Fridays – With some Hybrid work from home)
Full time Permanent Position
Executive package on offer:
- 15% bonus
- Private healthcare & Healthshield for Dental / Optical cover
- Work from home – Up to 2 days per week
- Life Cover: 4X basic salary
The Company
Our client is a leading name in the design and manufacture of heavy metal machinery, with a proud history of success and innovation. As one of the largest employers in the region, they operate multiple production facilities and serve a loyal international client base.
Job Purpose Working collaboratively with the leadership teams across all our global regions, you will have strategic and tactical responsibility for developing and implementing the manufacturing strategy and strategic operational goals to exceed customer expectations for product quality, cost and delivery, maximising efficiency, optimising production levels and driving operational excellence.
The successful candidate will have overall responsibility for Manufacturing across the site, which will include people (120+ staff in total within Fabrication / Manufacturing, working alongside the Head of Assembly who has a similar team size) and budgetary management. You will lead, direct and monitor all aspects of manufacturing on site. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring that manufacturing processes run reliably and efficiently and that the set production goals are met while maintaining compliance with legal and safety standards. This position reports directly into the Operations Director and will require some board reporting.
- A minimum if 5 years\’ people management experience at a similar company upper leadership level, within a similar lean manufacturing environment (Six Sigma and Kaizen etc)
- The successful person will have previous experience in managing similar manufacturing teams over a minimum of 50+ staff
- Strong personal drive and commitment and accountability to achieve goals, make improvements and have a successful collaborative team that works to fabrication excellence standard
- A relevant 3rd level qualification or demonstration of significant comparable senior experience
- Comprehensive knowledge of quality assurance principles, methods, design, testing and implementation. A thorough understanding of manufacturing principles and achieving output goals
- Experience of working with ERP systems and MS Office particularly Word & Excel
Apply now via the link on this page or contact Hugh Nugent directly for a confidential discussion.
About Hugh Nugent – With 13+ years of experience in Executive Engineering and Manufacturing Recruitment, Hugh specialises in placing leaders within Senior Executive throughout N Ireland.
FOR A FULL LIST OF VACANCIES IN YOUR SECTOR, PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE.
This role is ideal for candidates based in Antrim, Tyrone, Belfast, Lisburn, Cookstown, Ballymena, Magherafelt, Derry / Londonderry, Armagh, Portadown, Craigavon, Omagh, Dungannon, Bangor and surrounding areas.
Other similar titles for this role could be Operations Manager, Fabrication Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Factory Manager, Site Manager, Operations Director, Senior Production Manager, Head of Operations, Head of Fabrication, Head of Assembly etc.
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Head of Manufacturing (Head of Fabrication) employer: Vickerstock
Contact Detail:
Vickerstock Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing (Head of Fabrication)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the manufacturing sector, especially those who have experience in heavy metal machinery. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the company's products and their manufacturing processes. Understanding their specific challenges and successes will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed large teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've implemented lean manufacturing principles like Six Sigma and Kaizen.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company's culture and values to align your approach with their expectations. Showing that you understand and can contribute to their mission will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing (Head of Fabrication)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in manufacturing and leadership roles. Emphasise your achievements in managing teams, improving processes, and meeting production goals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for manufacturing and your strategic vision. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully implemented manufacturing strategies in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, especially any relevant third-level qualifications or certifications in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies. This will demonstrate your expertise in the field.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Detail your experience in managing large teams and budgets. Use metrics to illustrate your success in leading teams towards operational excellence and achieving production targets.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As the Head of Manufacturing, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead large teams effectively. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed teams of 50+ staff, focusing on your leadership style and how you foster collaboration and accountability.
✨Understand Lean Manufacturing Principles
Familiarise yourself with lean manufacturing concepts like Six Sigma and Kaizen. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these principles in previous roles to improve efficiency and product quality.
✨Highlight Your Strategic Vision
This role requires a strategic mindset. Think about how you would develop and implement a manufacturing strategy that aligns with the company's goals. Be prepared to share your vision for operational excellence and how you would achieve it.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to quality assurance principles and ERP systems. Brush up on your knowledge of manufacturing processes and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance with legal and safety standards in past roles.