Welland Medical brings to market the best and most innovative products that enhance the lives of people living with a stoma across the world. Investing in the most talented people, collaborating to create world-class, ground-breaking products and services devoted to improving peoples’ lives. We are passionate about making a difference in the world.
Welland Medical is a part of Clinimed Holdings Limited, a prominent figure in the Healthcare and Medical Equipment sector. Clinimed Holdings Limited comprises a group of companies established in 1982 through the acquisition and formation of various entities within the group.
Job Summary:
Senior manufacturing leadership role responsible for delivering safe, high-quality, cost-effective production performance across a 24/7 multi-shift operation. The position leads production, Continuous Improvement and operational excellence initiatives, driving improvements in OEE, quality, delivery and cost through Lean Manufacturing and structured CI methodologies. The role also provides leadership to Shift Managers, supports site expansion projects, and contributes to strategic and operational planning as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- Medical Cash Back Plan
- Life Assurance (4 x Annual Gross)
- Annual Performance Bonus
- Annual Pay Review
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Free Yearly Flu Vaccination
- Discounts on Selected Products and Services
- Employee Assistance Programme – Health and Wellbeing
- Annual Leaves - 25 Days Per Year Rising to 27 Days After 5 Years Service in Addition to Bank Holidays and An Extra Company Day (And Christmas Shutdown)
Main Duties & Responsibilities:
- Deliver weekly and monthly production plans on time, in full, and at standard cost.
- Lead site-wide Continuous Improvement activity by setting the CI agenda, prioritising the improvement pipeline, and driving execution through two CI Experts.
- Build a fully integrated improvement programme by partnering cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality teams.
- Translate the agreed production schedule into effective shift-level sequencing and execution plans through the Planning function.
- Lead, coach and hold accountable four Shift Managers to deliver operational excellence.
- Drive performance against key manufacturing metrics, including OEE, first-pass yield, scrap and rework.
- Reduce customer complaint rates through robust root-cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions at source.
- Own the Machine Setter competency framework and develop shopfloor capability to support operational performance and flexibility.
- Partner with QARA to strengthen quality performance, maintain audit readiness, and ensure timely CAPA closure.
- Maintain accountability for safety performance across the entire production operation.
- Ensure full compliance with GMP and ISO 13485 standards within the manufacturing environment.
- Support site capacity expansion projects, including new production line commissioning and operational ramp-up.
- Contribute as a member of the Senior Leadership Team to site strategy, operational planning, and capital investment decisions.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Units produced versus production plan, by shift
- Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by line and shift
- Labour cost per unit, overtime utilisation, and agency labour spends
- First-pass yield, scrap, and rework performance rates
Personal Specifications:
- Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, ideally with a specialisation in Manufacturing and Operations Management.
- Proven senior production leadership experience within demanding, high-volume, cost-focused manufacturing environments.
- Extensive experience leading complex 24/7 multi-shift manufacturing operations of comparable scale (150+ FTE), with full accountability for output, cost, quality and delivery performance across all shifts.
- Strong practical expertise in Lean Manufacturing principles and tools, including value stream mapping, standard work, 5S, SMED, visual management, line balancing and pull systems.
- Deep working knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies, including Kaizen, A3 problem solving, root-cause analysis and structured shopfloor CI deployment.
- Demonstrated success delivering significant improvements in OEE, quality and operational performance through effective Lean and CI implementation.
- Strong people leadership capability, with experience developing Shift Managers and building leadership capability and succession strength across multi-shift operations.
- Lean / Six Sigma Black Belt certification, or equivalent demonstrable capability in operational improvement leadership.
- Experience leading manufacturing capacity expansion projects, including new production line commissioning and ramp-up.
- Experience operating within regulated manufacturing sectors such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, food, automotive or aerospace.
- Direct experience within medical device manufacturing environments.
- Working knowledge of ISO 13485 requirements and standards.
- Exposure to Toyota Production System (TPS) and/or World Class Manufacturing (WCM) methodologies.
- Proven track record leading Continuous Improvement teams and embedding CI as a core line‑management discipline rather than a standalone support function.
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Head of Manufacturing in Crawley employer: Welland Medical Ltd
Welland Medical Ltd is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and collaboration, creating a dynamic work environment where talented individuals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture centred around making a positive impact on people's lives, team members enjoy meaningful work and opportunities for growth within the healthcare sector. Located in a supportive and forward-thinking atmosphere, Welland Medical offers unique advantages for those looking to contribute to groundbreaking projects that truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing in Crawley
✨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 Welland Medical Ltd, 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 Welland Medical Ltd 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 Welland Medical Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Welland Medical Ltd, 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 Welland Medical Ltd 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.
