Director of Manufacturing

JR United Kingdom; Coventry; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The DRVN Automotive Group is seeking an Automotive Manufacturing Director to lead production across UK facilities. This key role involves operational oversight, ensuring compliance with automotive standards, and oversight of the new manufacturing facility in Thruxton. The ideal candidate will possess strong OEM experience and multi-site leadership skills, with a focus on continuous improvement and strategic transformation in automotive manufacturing.

Benefits

33 Days Holidays

Pension

Life Insurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Director or Head of Manufacturing in automotive sector.
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing facility setups and vehicle builds.
• Multi-site leadership experience with compliance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for manufacturing activities.
• Ensure compliance with automotive standards and drive continuous improvement.
• Champion manufacturing processes to meet quality and cost targets.

Skills

Leadership

Change Management

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Communication

Education

Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field

MBA (desirable)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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The DRVN Automotive Group are seeking a dynamic and highly experienced Automotive Manufacturing Director to lead and coordinate end-to-end vehicle production and related operations across our key UK facilities that are based in Coventry, Newton Aycliffe, and Thruxton.

The successful candidate will have a strong OEM background and will be instrumental in driving excellence in vehicle build programmes from the ground up, ensuring manufacturing strategies align with our quality, efficiency, and delivery standards.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will oversee the setup of our Thruxton site as the main priority for end-to-end vehicle production, build strong cross-functional teams, and ensure the SMT teams maintain compliance with UK quality standards and regulatory requirements. This role requires frequent travel between sites to ensure cohesive, standardised operations and continuous improvement across all facilities.

Overview of the Role

• Director of Manufacturing
• Holidays: 33 Days Holidays
• Pension
• Life Insurance
• Location: Coventry

Company Overview

The DRVN Automotive Group is a sector-leading automotive group, specialising in the design, manufacture, and distribution of luxury automotive brands. Recognised globally for our commitment to innovation, quality, and engineering, we are proudly centred around delivering a world-class customer experience.

Our recent launch of Evoluto, along with the reimagination of some of Ford Motor Company’s most historically significant icons – including the RS200 and MK1 Escort places DRVN at the forefront of modern automotive excellence. These projects provide our engineers with an exceptional platform to showcase their skills across various disciplines and be part of some of the most exciting modernisation programmes the industry has ever seen.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all manufacturing activities across multiple UK sites
• Manage capital expenditure planning and resource allocation in line with strategic goals
• Oversee full vehicle build programmes – from concept through to final assembly and delivery – ensuring timelines, quality, and cost targets are met to build right first time
• Plan, design, and create full shop floor layouts and cell designs including the set-up of a new Manufacturing facility
• Implement best-in-class manufacturing processes and lean production principles to drive efficiency and minimise waste
• Ensure all manufacturing operations comply with UK automotive standards, health & safety regulations, and environmental requirements (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 9001)
• Lead and mentor senior managers to ensure team effectiveness, fostering a high-performance culture with strong accountability
• Collaborate with engineering, design, procurement, and quality departments to ensure seamless integration across all stages of the build
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation in manufacturing methods, automation, and workforce capability
• Monitor KPIs, analyse performance data, and report progress to executive leadership
• Degree qualified or equivalent in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field; additional business qualifications (e.g. MBA) would be desirable
• Proven experience of working as the Director or Head of Manufacturing in the automotive or specialist vehicle sector
• Strong background and demonstrated experience in overseeing facility set ups and end-to-end vehicle builds, from chassis fabrication to final assembly and testing
• Multi-site leadership experience, with ability to align teams and processes across different locations
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to get the best from the teams
• Deep knowledge of UK automotive manufacturing standards, quality systems (e.g. ISO 9001, IATF 16949), and regulatory compliance
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and modern production methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to manage change, scale operations, and implement strategic transformation
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Microsoft Office proficient to an advanced level
• Team player and positive attitude towards mastering challenges and changes
• Driving Licence and willingness to travel regularly between Coventry, Newton Aycliffe, and Thruxton with overnight stays
• Must have IDLR/Full Rights to Work in UK - Sponsorship or Work Permits will not be accepted/ provided

Please note we do not provide sponsorships to those who require it and will only accept applications from those who have full rights to work in the UK with no restrictions and IDLR/Full Settlement status. Please provide status on applications.

Our inclusive workplace welcomes and values all candidates from all backgrounds; we believe that diversity enhances our ability to innovate and serve our customers effectively. We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and able to bring their authentic selves to work. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.