Manufacturing Manager

Manufacturing Manager

Location: Telford, Shropshire

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and driven Manufacturing Manager to lead our production operations at our Telford manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacture of high-quality machinery while driving continuous improvement across production processes.

The successful candidate will lead production teams, optimise manufacturing performance, and work closely with engineering, quality, supply chain, and maintenance functions to achieve operational excellence and deliver customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all day-to-day manufacturing operations to achieve production targets, quality standards, and delivery schedules.
• Foster a strong health, safety, and environmental culture, ensuring compliance with company policies and statutory regulations.
• Develop, motivate, and manage production supervisors and manufacturing teams to maximise performance and engagement.
• Monitor and improve key operational KPIs including productivity, efficiency, quality, scrap, downtime, labour utilisation, and on-time delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Ensure effective production planning and resource allocation to meet customer demand.
• Collaborate with Engineering to support new product introductions and manufacturing process improvements.
• Work closely with Supply Chain and Procurement to ensure material availability and inventory optimisation.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions relating to production, quality, and equipment issues.
• Manage manufacturing budgets and identify opportunities for cost reduction without compromising quality or safety.
• Support preventative maintenance planning to maximise equipment reliability and minimise downtime.
• Develop standard operating procedures and ensure adherence across manufacturing operations.
• Champion employee development through coaching, training, succession planning, and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with ISO quality standards and customer requirements.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Proven experience in a Manufacturing Manager or senior production leadership role within machinery manufacturing, capital equipment, industrial engineering, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with experience managing multi-skilled production teams.
• Excellent understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement techniques.
• Experience managing production planning, scheduling, and operational performance.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to analyse production data and use KPIs to drive improvements.

Desirable

• Degree or HNC/HND in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt qualification.
• IOSH or NEBOSH qualification.
• Experience within bespoke machinery or engineered-to-order manufacturing.
• Knowledge of automation, CNC machining, fabrication, welding, or mechanical assembly processes.

Personal Attributes

• Results-oriented with a proactive approach.
• Strong leadership presence and the ability to inspire teams.
• Highly organised with excellent planning and prioritisation skills.
• Commercially aware and customer focused.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Key Performance Indicators

• Health & Safety performance
• On-time delivery
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Production output
• Labour productivity
• Quality performance and defect rates
• Scrap and rework reduction
• Manufacturing cost control
• Employee engagement and retention

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Performance-related bonus
• Company pension
• Life assurance
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A collaborative and supportive working environment with opportunities to contribute to the growth of an innovative machinery manufacturer.

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