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- Tasks: Lead daily operations in electronics manufacturing and drive performance improvements.
- Company: Join a leading automotive supplier with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £60k, pension, bonus, and health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the automotive industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Operations Management; Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day operations across SMT, PCB assembly, electronics testing, and final assembly, ensuring the achievement of key performance indicators such as OEE, scrap, throughput, delivery performance, and labour efficiency.
- Manage capacity planning, production scheduling, and resource allocation to meet customer demand.
- Ensure full adherence to IATF 16949 requirements and support internal and external audits.
- Collaborate closely with Quality Engineering and Supplier Quality to resolve issues using 8D, PFMEA, and control plans, and drive corrective and preventive actions to meet OEM quality expectations.
- Implement Lean, Kaizen, 5S, SMED, and waste reduction programmes, applying DMAIC and Six Sigma methodologies to improve process stability and reduce variation.
- Lead digitalisation initiatives including MES systems, traceability solutions, and automated testing.
- Oversee inbound materials, inventory accuracy, and material flow in line with JIT/JIS delivery models.
- Work closely with Procurement and Logistics to mitigate supply risks such as semiconductor shortages, strengthening supply chain resilience and reducing premium freight and line-stop risks.
- Lead, manage, coach, mentor, and develop production supervisors, engineers, technicians, and production unit leadership.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement, while ensuring performance management, succession planning, empowerment, clear accountability, diversity, and compliance in line with the ZF way.
- Act as the operational interface for OEM customers, ensuring high levels of satisfaction in quality, delivery, and launch readiness.
- Support APQP and PPAP activities for new product introductions and work cross-functionally with Engineering, Program Management, and Finance to achieve business objectives.
Qualifications
- Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or equivalent.
- Lean Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt) – preferred.
- Training in automotive quality standards – desirable.
- Experience in automotive or electronics manufacturing.
- Proven track record in Tier 1 automotive supply chain.
- Experience managing a production facility or significant production area.
- Understanding of launch processes for new automotive electronics (ECUs, sensors, etc.).
- Demonstrated success in applying lean tools with measurable results.
- Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with teams, understand operational constraints, and take decisive actions to overcome them while building a cohesive, high-performing team.
Benefits
- Compensation up to £60k, depending on experience and qualifications.
- Hours of work will normally be 37 per week.
- Pension.
- Medicash.
- Bonus.
Operations Plant Manager in Birmingham employer: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Contact Detail:
ZF Friedrichshafen AG Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Plant Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their operations and think about how your skills in Lean, Six Sigma, and team leadership can add value. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on showcasing your experience in managing production facilities and driving continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Plant Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Operations Plant Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing production facilities and applying lean methodologies, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your background in automotive or electronics manufacturing makes you a perfect fit for us. Don’t forget to mention your leadership style and how you foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to meet key performance indicators like OEE and delivery performance. We love numbers, so quantify your successes where possible!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ZF Friedrichshafen AG
✨Know Your Metrics
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators like OEE, scrap rates, and throughput. Be ready to discuss how you've achieved or improved these metrics in your previous roles, as this will show your understanding of the operational side of things.
✨Lean and Mean
Brush up on Lean methodologies, Kaizen, and Six Sigma principles. Prepare examples of how you've implemented these strategies in past positions to enhance efficiency and reduce waste. This will demonstrate your proactive approach to continuous improvement.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience in leading teams and mentoring staff. Highlight specific instances where you’ve developed talent or fostered a culture of safety and accountability. This is crucial for the role, so make it count!
✨Understand the Supply Chain
Get a grip on supply chain dynamics, especially in the automotive sector. Discuss any experiences you have with managing risks, such as semiconductor shortages, and how you’ve collaborated with procurement and logistics to mitigate these challenges.