Factory Manager (Aluminium) in Sunderland

Our client is a leading aluminium systems and building envelope specialist supplying high-performance aluminium window, door, curtain walling and façade solutions across the UK construction market. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Factory Operations & QA Manager to lead their manufacturing facility, ensuring production targets, quality standards and health & safety requirements are consistently achieved. This is an excellent opportunity for an established production professional from the fenestration sector looking to take ownership of manufacturing operations within a growing and forward-thinking business.

The Role

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of factory operations, production planning, quality assurance and workforce development. You will ensure products are manufactured to specification, delivered on time and meet the highest standards of quality whilst maintaining a safe and efficient production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all factory operations on a daily basis.
• Ensure production targets and project deadlines are achieved in line with the master production plan.
• Coordinate workloads across fabrication, assembly, glazing and dispatch functions.
• Liaise closely with project teams, installation teams and production planning personnel to ensure manufacturing priorities are clearly communicated.
• Ensure all fabricated products meet customer specifications, technical drawings and fabrication pack requirements.
• Implement and maintain robust Quality Assurance processes throughout all stages of manufacture.
• Ensure all products are inspected, signed off and accompanied by the required QA documentation.
• Maintain compliance with ISO 9001 quality management procedures.
• Manage material requisitions to ensure manufacturing teams have the materials required to meet production schedules.
• Oversee dispatch activities ensuring all products are accurately recorded and accompanied by correct documentation.
• Ensure finished goods are stored safely and efficiently prior to dispatch.
• Monitor factory productivity, labour utilisation and operational efficiency.
• Produce regular reports on factory performance, output and delivery metrics.
• Ensure all machinery is operated safely and only by trained personnel.
• Manage planned preventative maintenance schedules and ensure maintenance records are completed accurately.
• Lead factory health and safety activities, ensuring compliance with company standards and legislation.
• Conduct regular safety audits covering PPE, machine guarding, fire safety, housekeeping and safe systems of work.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training and ongoing development of fabrication and production personnel.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, quality excellence and operational efficiency.

Essential

• Previous experience in a manufacturing leadership role within the fenestration, aluminium glazing, façade, curtain walling, windows or doors sector.
• Strong understanding of aluminium fabrication and manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience managing production teams within a factory environment.
• Working knowledge of quality assurance systems and manufacturing best practice.
• Experience implementing and maintaining health and safety standards.
• Strong planning, organisational and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to analyse production data and identify areas for improvement.

Desirable

• Experience working within an aluminium systems house or architectural glazing manufacturer.
• Knowledge of curtain walling, commercial glazing and façade systems.
• ISO 9001 Quality Management experience.
• Health & Safety qualification (IOSH or NEBOSH).
• Continuous Improvement / Lean Manufacturing experience.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary package.
• Company pension.
• Long-term career progression opportunities.
• Opportunity to join a successful and expanding aluminium systems business.
• Collaborative and supportive management team.
• Stable and growing market sector.

Our clients and their customers come from diverse backgrounds and so do we. We hire our people from various walks of life, each of whom make our company stronger with their talent, uniqueness, and expertise. This is what makes our company special; if you want to help us grow and take this ethos to our clients, then we cannot wait to collaborate with you!