Head of Manufacturing

Seeking an experienced Head of Manufacturing to join our client, a well-established and growing bespoke manufacturing business based in North Devon, supplying a broad range of industrial and commercial sectors.
 
Head of Manufacturing
North Devon | Permanent | Full Time
Competitive Salary DOE
 
Head of Manufacturing Role Overview:
As part of its continued growth and operational development, the business is seeking an experienced and hands-on Head of Manufacturing to lead the production operation through its next phase of development, performance improvement and scalability.
This is a senior operational leadership role with genuine influence across the business. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the successful candidate will take ownership of manufacturing performance, accountability, operational structure and continuous improvement across a multi-area production environment.
This is not an office-based operations role. It is a visible, shop-floor-led leadership position suited to someone who thrives within a bespoke manufacturing environment and is confident leading people, improving standards and driving operational performance. The business has built a strong reputation within its sector and is investing in the next stage of operational growth and development.
The Head of Manufacturing will lead the day-to-day manufacturing operation, ensuring output, efficiency, quality and OTIF performance are delivered consistently and sustainably. This role is centred around people leadership, operational discipline and building a scalable manufacturing structure capable of supporting future growth. The successful candidate will work closely with Production Managers and the wider leadership team to improve communication, accountability, planning visibility and operational consistency across the business.
 
Key Responsibilities for the Head of Manufacturing:
Production Performance

Drive output, labour efficiency and on-time delivery performance
Identify and remove operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies
Align production capacity with customer demand and operational priorities
Maintain high standards of quality, discipline, safety and housekeeping
Improve operational visibility and overall manufacturing performance Leadership & Accountability

Lead, support and develop Production Managers and supervisory teams
Establish a clear culture of accountability, pace, communication and professionalism
Run structured daily operational meetings and performance reviews
Strengthen management capability and consistency across the factory
Lead operational change positively whilst maintaining team engagement and stability Operational Control & Planning

Improve scheduling visibility, coordination and forward planning
Embed KPI discipline and accurate operational reporting
Support ERP/MRP system development and operational usage
Ensure proactive problem solving and effective escalation management
Improve coordination between production, planning and commercial functions Continuous Improvement & Scalability

Improve workflow, layout and productivity in a practical and measurable manner
Reduce reliance on individuals through stronger systems and structure
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing operation
Support long-term operational planning and future business growth
Help build a scalable and resilient manufacturing function capable of supporting continued expansion Requirements of the Head of Manufacturing candidate:
The successful candidate will be an experienced manufacturing leader with a strong operational background and a visible, hands-on leadership style.

You will demonstrate the following skills & experience:

Proven senior leadership experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment
Strong people leadership and team management capability
A track record of driving accountability, operational performance and improvement
Experience managing Production Managers and structured manufacturing teams
Strong commercial awareness and confident decision-making ability
The ability to positively challenge existing practices and lead change effectively
Excellent organisational, communication and operational planning skills
A practical, solutions-focused approach combined with strategic operational thinking
Experience within bespoke manufacturing, industrial production or engineered manufacturing environments would be advantageous, although not essential. You will demonstrate the following Personal Attributes:

Calm, decisive and solutions-focused
Organised and structured
Resilient and performance-driven
Commercially aware
Approachable but authoritative
Naturally proactive and improvement-focused
Comfortable operating within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Able to build credibility and trust quickly across all levels of the business Package for the Head of Manufacturing:

Competitive salary dependent on experience
Performance-related bonus potential
Senior leadership role with genuine operational influence
Long-term opportunity within a growing manufacturing business
Opportunity to play a key role in shaping and strengthening the future manufacturing operation  
 
Cooper Golding is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy