Factory Manager

Job Title: Factory Manager Salary: £45K-£55K Benefits: To be discussed at interview Job Type: Permanent Location: Birmingham, West Midlands Job Start date: ASAP We’re supporting our client, a global, leading metal-finishing specialist based in Birmingham, who are looking for a Factory Manager to join their growing team. The successful Factory Manager will have proven factory or production management experience in metallurgical or metal-finishing industries. Job Summary: As a Factory, you will lead and manage day-to-day operations in our factory covering heat treatment, cleaning, and electroplating. Your role ensures operational efficiency, optimal product quality, high safety standards, and fosters continuous improvement and staff development. Responsibilities for Factory Manager: * Oversee production planning and scheduling for heat treatment and plating. * Ensure equipment is maintained and processes run smoothly. * Optimize workflows to boost efficiency and reduce downtime. * Maintain stringent quality standards; conduct or supervise hardness testing. * Troubleshoot metallurgical and plating anomalies; guide continuous improvement. * Ensure compliance with ISO and other relevant standards. * Lead production teams, including training, development, and performance management. * Promote a positive, engaged, and safety-conscious work culture. * Enforce health & safety protocols and maintain clean, compliant work areas. * Keep accurate production and compliance records. * Liaise with Sales, Works, Technical, and Customer Service teams to ensure timely deliveries. * Engage directly with small to medium manufacturing clients, addressing technical or scheduling needs. * Suggest improvements to processes and propose investment in new equipment or technology. * Drive cost-control measures and support efforts to increase profitability. * Opportunity to advance into a director-level role over time. About You: * Proven factory or production management experience in metallurgical or metal-finishing industries. * Strong understanding of: Heat treatment processes (e.g., case hardening, austempering), Hardness testing fundamentals and Electroplating / salt bath cleaning – advantage but not essential * Leadership skills with hands-on problem-solving ability. * Knowledge of ISO standards and health & safety regulation. * Analytical mindset with attention to quality and detail. * Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement. * Capacity to manage competing priorities and lead continuous improvement. * Proactive, solutions-oriented approach. Job Application: If you would like to be considered for the role of Factory Manager, please apply with your full CV – or call us now. Whilst this position may not be of interest to you or suit your skills and experience, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with a member of the team at Willcox Matthews to understand how we can support you. Willcox Matthews Recruitment Ltd acts an employment business for permanent and contract roles. By completing the application process, you agree to the terms outlined in our Privacy Notice and that Willcox Matthews Ltd may contact you in connection with your application in relation to Willcox Matthews providing you with work-finding services. Our Privacy Notice can be viewed under the privacy tab on our website. We take your application seriously and we make every effort to respond to all applicants. Candidates must be eligible to work and live in the UK