Core Manufacturing Manager - Advanced Materials Manufacturing

Cranleigh Scientific; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary up to market rates

Annual bonus up to 10%

Pension with employee contributions

Private medical

Life assurance

Employee share plan

25 days' holiday with bank holidays

Flexi-time scheme

OC health & EAP

On-site parking & EV charging

Job summary

Cranleigh Scientific is seeking a Core Manufacturing Manager for a premier UK site in Cambridgeshire, responsible for leading a team of Shift Team Leaders and Production Operatives to deliver safety, quality and performance.

You will own the annual production plan, drive continuous improvement using Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen, and work closely with R&D and the manufacturing innovation team to scale new products from lab to full production.

Qualifications

• A chemical background is essential with a degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing or related high-hazard environments is preferred.
• Proven track record in shift-to-management progression or in management roles.

Responsibilities

• Own a production area, leading a team of Shift Team Leaders and Operators.
• Deliver safety, quality, output and cost targets while managing stock.
• Develop and budget annual production plans and monitor performance.
• Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen and PFMEA.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Logistics, Sales, and R&D to scale new products.

Skills

Leadership

Planning

Communication

Problem-solving

Team development

Education

Chemistry or Chemical Engineering degree

Tools

Excel

Minitab

Job description

Core Manufacturing Manager

Advanced Materials Manufacturing | Cambridgeshire | Permanent | Predominantly site-based

THE OPPORTUNITY

We're partnering with a global leader in advanced materials manufacturing, supplying high-performance products into the aerospace and industrial markets, to appoint a Core Manufacturing Manager at one of its key UK manufacturing sites.

The role has opened up following an internal promotion, which says a lot about the career progression on offer here.

You'll take full ownership of one of the site's production areas, leading a team of Shift Team Leaders and Production Operatives. You'll be responsible for safety, people, output, quality, cost and stock.

The role would suit either of two profiles:

• A strong Shift Team Leader or Production Supervisor ready to step into a first management role
• An experienced Production Manager looking for a new challenge in a technically interesting, well-invested environment

You'll also work closely with R&D and the manufacturing innovation team to scale new products from laboratory to full production.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Safety & Compliance

• Make sure EHS legislation and site procedures are followed at all times, keeping the working environment safe
• Manage the HAZOP process for a high-hazard process area
• Assess and write high-risk permits to work, including confined space entry

Production & Performance

• Develop, budget and deliver the annual production plan for your area
• Manage a broad product range, delivered on time, to quality and within standard cost
• Look after a significant capital asset base, including coaters, presses, ovens and cutting equipment
• Lead the operational introduction of new products and processes
• Control stock and minimise WIP and finished goods inventory, working alongside Logistics
• Partner with Maintenance on breakdown response and a 12-month planned maintenance schedule

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and deliver cost-saving and CI projects that make a measurable difference
• Use Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, PFMEA and structured root cause analysis to improve methods, workflow, quality and cost
• Own 5S standards across the area
• Support capital expenditure decisions on improvements to process safety, environment, capability and capacity

Quality

• Drive right-first-time performance and first-pass quality against plan
• Lead quality investigations with a strong focus on root cause
• Manage non-conformances and engage internal and external stakeholders, including the customer warranty process

People Leadership

• Lead, motivate and develop a shift-based team of Shift Team Leaders and Production Operatives
• Own training, assessment and performance reviews to build a flexible, multi-skilled workforce
• Manage labour distribution, recruitment and headcount planning for your area

Business Engagement

• Report performance and current issues up the management structure
• Attend and contribute to monthly S&OP and weekly planning and scheduling meetings
• Work with Sales and Marketing on customer requests, and support R&D with experimental material runs and customer samples

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• A chemical background is essential, ideally a degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. Engineering or Materials Science graduates with strong chemical manufacturing experience will also be considered
• A background in chemical manufacturing, aerospace or automotive. Composites experience is not essential
• Proven experience as a Shift Team Leader, Production Supervisor or Production Manager
• Strong, hands‑on leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a shop‑floor team
• Good planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities at once
• Clear communication at all levels, from operatives to senior leadership
• A practical, timely approach to problem solving
• Advanced Excel skills and strong Microsoft Office capability
• Desirable: Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, PFMEA, structured root cause analysis and Minitab

WHAT'S ON OFFER

• A competitive basic salary
• Annual bonus of up to 10%, based on site-wide performance
• Defined contribution pension with employer matching up to 13%, giving up to 20% combined
• Life assurance and income protection
• Private medical at a 50% discount, with no underwriting, unlimited outpatient cover, physio and extensive cancer cover. Fully company-paid after 5 years' service
• Discounted employee share purchase plan
• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays
• Flexi-time scheme, with banked hours available as additional time off
• On-site occupational health, a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and eye care support
• Subsidised canteen, free on-site parking and EV charging
• A genuine career path within a global manufacturing business that promotes from within