Advance Manufacturing Systems Manager

Kohler Co.; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonuses

Car cash allowance

Private medical cover

Generous pension scheme

Job summary

Kohler Mira Ltd. is recruiting an Advance Manufacturing Systems Manager in Cheltenham. You will lead the site automation strategy and drive cross‑functional projects spanning NPI, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality and Operations.

Accountable for delivering automated solutions from concept through handover, you’ll coach a team of 14 professionals, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and pursue continuous improvement across the manufacturing lifecycle.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in engineering leadership within manufacturing/assembly
• Experience applying lean, automation, capital planning, and operations finance
• Experience in gated NPI / NPD frameworks and DFMA
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities
• Ability to balance strategic intent with hands‑on execution
• Capability to develop people and build high-performing teams

Responsibilities

• Define and deploy the site automation strategy aligned to CI goals
• Lead automation projects from concept to handover, ensuring performance requirements
• Collaborate with NPI, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Operations
• Drive improvements in OEE through automation and lifecycle reliability
• Ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance across systems
• Develop skills matrices and succession plans for the automation team

Skills

Automation leadership

Lean principles

NPI / NPD experience

Stakeholder management

DFMA knowledge

People management

Education

Bachelor/Master in engineering

Tools

PLC/HMI controls

Job description

Onsite Cheltenham

Salary up to £70K (subject to skills and experience) + fantastic benefits including company bonuses, car cash allowance, private medical cover and generous pension scheme. Designing award-winning products for our market-leading brands – Mira Showers, Rada and Recoup - is our lifeblood. We focus on investment; investing in the best technology and resources available and investing in each and every individual. Whether you arrive at our facilities in Cheltenham, Worcester or Hull, have a visit from a Service Engineer or pick up the phone to our Customer Service team, you’ll instantly see that, no matter our department or location, we all share the same cultural values at Kohler Mira.

From day one you’re part of the Kohler Mira community – a collaborative, forward focused team with a shared pride in our work and commitment to delight our customers, develop innovative products and services and inspire our people.

Find out more below!

We're looking for an Advance Manufacturing Systems Manager to help shape the future of our manufacturing operations through innovation, technology and continuous improvement. In this role, you’ll be accountable for the effective leadership and management of an entire support function covering the Cheltenham site. Member of the senior leadership team for the Manufacturing function. Accountable for Advance Manufacturing Systems focused on:

• Supporting the Business Manufacturing Strategy over a 3-year rolling timeline.
• Deliver Senior Leadership focused initiatives and strategic improvements.
• Pro‑active compliance and development of auto and manual manufacturing systems that achieve operational capability for Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and People (SQCDP).
• Achieving and maintaining targeted service levels and strategic improvements.
• Work cross‑functionally with NPI, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production teams.
• Responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing manufacturing system solutions. From manual, low-cost automation to high capital automation.
• Building a high performing, improvement culture through the coaching and development of the team (circa 14 controls and mechanical design associates).

General Responsibilities

Responsibility for leading the team in accordance with established policies, procedures and objectives. Specifically:

Automation Strategy & Roadmap

• Define and deploy the site automation strategy aligned to manufacturing and CI objectives
• Identify opportunities for automation across production processes (assembly, test, and material flow)
• Develop and maintain a prioritised automation roadmap (low-cost vs capital)
• Ensure alignment with site productivity, cost reduction, and capability goals

Project Delivery

• Lead automated and assembly projects from concept through design, build, commissioning, and handover
• Ensure solutions are robust, scalable, and meet defined performance requirements
• Define equipment specifications, system architecture, and technical standards
• Manage suppliers and integrators to deliver compliant, high-quality systems
• Ensure clear ownership and support post-handover

Manufacturing Integration & NPI Support

• Work closely with NPI, Manufacturing Engineering, and Operations to integrate equipment into new product introductions
• Ensure automation solutions support manufacturing readiness, capability, and ramp‑up
• Provide input into process design for DFMA, assembly flows
• Support early life production to ensure stable and optimised operation
• Drive improvement in OEE through automation (availability, performance, quality)
• Ensure systems are reliable, maintainable, and supported through lifecycle
• Embed TPM, diagnostics, and fault‑finding capability within systems
• Support root cause analysis and continuous improvement of automated processes

Standards, Governance & Compliance

• Define and maintain automation standards (PLC, HMI, controls architecture, safety compliance)
• Ensure all systems meet safety, quality, and regulatory requirements including delivery and governance of the equipment technical files. (CE / UKCA Marking etc.)
• Support design reviews, buy-off, validation, and acceptance processes
• Ensure documentation, training, and knowledge transfer are completed
• Ensure systems are reliable, maintainable, and supported through lifecycle
• Embed TPM, diagnostics, and fault‑finding capability within systems
• Management & Development - People
• Lead, inspire, coach and develop the skills of direct reports.
• Manage reports in line with company standards and policies.
• Build capability in automation technologies across the wider organisation
• Develop skills matrices and succession plans aligned to future needs
• Promote a culture of innovation, ownership, and technical excellence
• Set objectives and monitor performance of direct reports in line with the Kohler Co Maximizing Performance process.
• Represent Kohler co. in working groups; contribute to these and facilitate discussion locally on possible implications of new initiatives.
• Ensure appropriate resourcing aligned to project complexity and portfolio demand.

Skills/Requirements

• Proven competence and previous success in an engineering leadership role, with significant exposure to automation and industry 4.0, typically 8+yrs experience within a manufacturing/assembly environment.
• Experience and application of lean principles, manufacturing processes, automation, labour efficiency, capital planning, operations finance, and industrialisation.
• Experience working within gated NPI / NPD frameworks, and knowledge of DFM/A principles.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to assess risk and make balanced decisions under time and cost pressure.
• Confident decision maker with strong delivery focus.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Comfortable operating between strategic intent and hands‑on execution.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence across functions.
• Bachelor and/or Masters Degree in engineering, operations or related technical field.

We can offer you a lot in return!

We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With a genuine commitment to creating better tomorrows, we’re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.

About Us

In the UK, Kohler Mira Ltd. is made up of three market leading brands: Mira Showers, Rada Controls, and Recoup Where our brands differ in market position, they are equal in their commitment to design, innovation, and providing a single level of quality regardless of price.

Kohler Mira is committed to diversity and inclusion to drive our business results and create a better future every day for our diverse associates, consumers, partners, and global communities.

As an equal opportunities employer, it is Kohler Mira’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified people in all job classifications without prejudice.

If, as an individual with a disability, you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail].