Head of Manufacturing

The opportunity

We're looking for an experienced, people-focused Head of Manufacturing to lead our manufacturing operation and a production team of approximately 100 people.

Operating within a fast-paced, high-variety, made-to-order environment, you'll be responsible for delivering customer demand while driving performance across safety, quality, productivity, efficiency and people development.

This isn't a role to lead from behind a desk. We're looking for someone with a strong presence on the factory floor, working closely with our Shift Manager and Team Leaders to drive performance, tackle issues at source and build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

You'll focus on increasing output and efficiency, reducing reliance on overtime, tackling waste and scrap, improving workplace standards and developing a strong manufacturing leadership team.

What you'll be responsible for

You'll take ownership of the day-to-day performance of Manufacturing, ensuring production plans are delivered safely, efficiently, on time and to the quality standards our customers expect.

You'll also:

Drive daily and hour-by-hour production performance, ensuring resources are aligned to customer demand.
Improve productivity, throughput and labour utilisation through better processes and working practices.
Reduce overtime dependency through effective workforce planning and increased productivity.
Identify and tackle the root causes of waste, scrap, quality and recurring operational issues.
Lead continuous improvement activity including 5S, Kaizen and structured problem solving.
Work collaboratively with Planning, Customer Service, Quality and Operations to improve overall performance and OTIF.
Lead, coach and develop the Shift Manager and Team Leaders, creating a strong and accountable frontline leadership team.
Set clear expectations and manage performance, attendance and conduct consistently and fairly.
Take ownership of Production recruitment, training and workforce development.
Champion excellent housekeeping, workplace organisation and safe working practices.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who is equally comfortable driving the numbers and leading the people behind them. You'll ideally bring:

At least five years' management experience within a high-variety, made-to-order manufacturing environment.
Experience leading sizeable production teams through Shift Managers, Team Leaders or similar.
A strong track record of improving output, productivity and operational efficiency.
Strong leadership skills, with the ability to set high standards, hold people accountable and build engagement.
Excellent organisation, communication and problem-solving skills.
Experience of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen and continuous improvement.
The resilience and adaptability to operate effectively within a fast-moving manufacturing environment.
A Six Sigma qualification would be advantageous, although practical experience of delivering measurable continuous improvement is equally important.

What success looks like

Success will be visible both on the factory floor and in the numbers: customer demand delivered, productivity improving, overtime reducing, waste and scrap coming down, strong quality and OTIF performance, and an engaged manufacturing team delivering consistently.

Our benefits

Alongside a competitive salary and company car, you'll have access to a benefits package designed around your wellbeing, future and life outside of work:

Health & Wellbeing - Medicash healthcare plan, 24/7 virtual GP, confidential wellbeing support and gym discounts.
Family & Financial - Subsidised healthcare, Scottish Widows pension, life assurance and enhanced family-friendly benefits.
Time & Recognition - 25 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays, Christmas shutdown and long-service recognition.
Everyday Extras - Cycle to Work scheme, retail discounts, company social events and selected Wycombe Wanderers tickets