Site Lead Manufacturing Operations
Artemis Human Capital are recruiting for a Site Lead on behalf of a growing manufacturing firm based just outside the North West. This is a key senior leadership role with full responsibility for a compact, high-impact manufacturing site of approximately 30 employees, overseeing end-to-end operations including coating, kitting, assembly, and despatch.
As Site Lead, you will take full ownership of site performance, driving operational excellence across all functions while leading a close-knit, multi-skilled team. You will be accountable for delivering against safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets, while embedding a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
Key Responsibilities
Site Leadership & Accountability
- Take full ownership of a compact manufacturing site (~30 employees), ensuring strong operational control and performance
- Lead all day-to-day operations across coating, kitting, assembly, and despatch
- Act as the most senior on-site leader, setting standards, driving accountability, and leading by example
- Develop and implement site-level operational plans aligned to wider business objectives
- Ensure effective resource planning and workload management across a close-knit, multi-skilled team
Operational Excellence & Performance
- Deliver consistent performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) metrics
- Oversee production activities to ensure efficiency, right-first-time output, and reliable customer delivery
- Work closely with planning and support functions to optimise workflow and throughput
- Maintain high standards of quality, compliance, and operational control across all processes
- Ensure clear visibility of performance through accurate reporting and daily management routines
Continuous Improvement & Lean Culture
- Lead Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement activity across the site
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and streamline processes within a compact operational environment
- Drive root cause analysis and implement practical, sustainable improvements
- Embed standardised working practices and a culture of accountability and ownership
People Leadership & Culture
- Lead, develop, and motivate a team of approximately 30 employees in a hands-on environment
- Build a strong, engaged, and collaborative site culture
- Support training, development, and multi-skilling across the workforce
- Manage performance, attendance, and employee relations in line with company policy
- Foster a visible leadership style with strong presence on the shop floor
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Champion a strong health and safety culture across the site
- Ensure full compliance with statutory, regulatory, and internal standards
- Lead incident investigations and ensure effective corrective and preventative actions
- Promote safe working behaviours and proactive risk awareness across all employees
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Act as the main operational point of contact for the site within the wider business
- Communicate priorities, performance, and issues clearly and consistently across the team
- Escalate and resolve operational challenges quickly and effectively
- Work collaboratively with wider functions to support business performance
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience in a senior manufacturing leadership role (Site Lead, Production Manager, Operations Manager or similar)
- Experience managing a compact, hands-on manufacturing site or team (circa 2050 employees)
- Strong background in fast-paced manufacturing or engineering environments
- Demonstrable success in improving SQDC performance
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in a hands-on environment
- Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and operational reporting
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Practical, visible leadership style with strong presence on the shop floor
- High accountability, resilience, and commitment to operational standards
Contact
Nicky Strutt
WHJS1_NI