Director of Manufacturing Operations

Meritus Talent; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 105,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in the UK is seeking a Director of Manufacturing Operations to oversee production delivery and workforce integration. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership in high mix manufacturing environments and a track record of managing large workforces. This role offers a competitive salary ranging from £105,000 to £155,000, along with a hybrid working model and responsibilities in strategic planning and operational delivery.

Benefits

Competitive package including bonus

Relocation support where required

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in high mix, high output electronics and/or precision manufacturing.
• Track record of managing large mixed workforces across demanding production environments.
• Strong working knowledge of lean principles, OEE, and workforce efficiency models.

Responsibilities

• Own site level manufacturing operations across multiple product lines.
• Lead and optimise the integration of permanent and contract labour.
• Develop and execute a strategic workforce plan aligned with business demand.

Skills

Leadership in high mix manufacturing

Managing large mixed workforces

Knowledge of lean principles

Operational delivery

Job description

Meritus are supporting a large Defence and Aerospace manufacturer preparing for a significant production ramp up tied to next generation programmes. As part of this growth, they're seeking a Director of Manufacturing Operations to lead all aspects of production delivery, workforce planning, and contractor integration at site level.

DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS - £105,000 TO £155,00PA - HYBRID 3 DAYS ONSITE - SC CLEARANCE OR ELIGIBILITY REQUIRED

Key Responsibilities

• Own site level manufacturing operations across multiple product lines with strict delivery schedules
• Lead and optimise the integration of permanent and contract labour to meet throughput goals.
• Previous experience of handling a large contract workforce is required.
• Build a scalable manufacturing model in line with projected output increases over the next 18-24 months
• Work closely with Programme Management, Engineering, and Quality to ensure on time, in spec production
• Drive lean manufacturing initiatives while ensuring full labour compliance and contractor oversight
• Develop and execute a strategic workforce plan aligned with business demand and customer milestones
• Support the introduction of automation, new lines, and industrialisation activity

What We're Looking For

• Proven leadership in high mix, high output electronics and/or precision manufacturing
• Track record of managing large mixed workforces (perm + contract) across demanding production environments
• Comfortable operating in secure, regulated sectors (defence, aerospace, critical infrastructure)
• Strong working knowledge of lean principles, OEE, and workforce efficiency models
• Strategic thinker who can also drive day to day operational delivery
• SC clearance or eligibility required

Package & Progression

This is a critical site leadership role reporting into the VP of Operations, with visibility at the board level and a direct influence on long term capacity planning. Competitive package including bonus and relocation support where required.