General Manager – Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Autochair Ltd; Alfreton CP; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary Operations Director to lead their manufacturing and supply chain operations. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the operational model for future growth, ensuring safety and compliance while driving efficiency and innovation. You'll lead a high-performing team, implement lean methodologies, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. If you're an experienced leader with a passion for operational excellence and making a meaningful impact, this position is perfect for you. Embrace the chance to contribute to a purpose-driven organization that values collaboration and accountability.

Benefits

26 Days Annual Leave

Life Insurance

Private Health Care

Profit Related Pay

5% Pension Contribution

Employee Assistance Programme

Supportive Team Environment

Opportunities for Contribution

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of management experience in manufacturing or operations.
• Expertise in lean methodologies and operational transformation.
• NEBOSH or IOSH qualified with a strong understanding of HSE.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the operations team.
• Promote a strong Health, Safety & Environmental focus.
• Implement lean manufacturing techniques to streamline operations.

Skills

Lean Methodologies

Operational Transformation

Data-Driven Decision Making

Supply Chain Management

Budgeting and Cost Control

HSE Best Practices

Team Leadership

Change Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration

Equivalent Experience in Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP Systems (Microsoft Dynamics)

Supply Chain Software

Inventory Management Tools

Job description

General Manager – Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Location: Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7JR

Salary: Very competitive salary package, DOE + Excellent Benefits , Car Allowance, Management Bonus Scheme

Contract: Full time, Permanent

Benefits: 26 days annual leave plus statutory holidays, Life Insurance, Private Health Care, Profit Related Pay, 5 % contribution from the business into the company pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, A supportive and forward-thinking team environment and Opportunities to contribute to a business that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Are you a visionary, highly motivated and enterprise focused Operations Leader ready to drive transformation in a fast-growing, purpose-led manufacturing business?

At Autochair, we design and manufacture life-changing mobility solutions.

As we scale and evolve, we’re seeking an experienced and strategic Operations Director to lead our Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Health & Safety, Quality, and Sales Operations functions.

This role is a rare opportunity to shape our operational model for future growth, embed continuous improvement practices, and empower high-performing teams to deliver quality, efficiency, and innovation.

You’ll report directly to senior leadership and play a critical role in re-engineering our operations to meet rising demand, while ensuring safety, compliance, and customer satisfaction remain central to everything we do.

Could this be your next career move?

Your team will include production management, HSE&Q, Supply Chain and Sales Operations!

In addition to this as our Operations Director you will assume responsibility for:

• Providing strategic direction and leadership to the team, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability and collaboration.

• Promoting a strong Health, Safety & Environmental focus along with quality culture.

• Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and helping shape company standards and health & safety practices.

• Maintaining target profit levels during rapid expansion.

• Using data-driven metrics (KPIs) to measure operational effectiveness and guide decision-making.

• Developing lean manufacturing techniques to streamline operations.

• Implementing efficient production workflows, optimizing productivity and reducing waste.

• Managing the Supply Chain function to ensure efficiencies, JIT and OTIF.

• Leading our procurement strategy, maintaining supply chain resilience, driving down costs.

• Overseeing inventory management processes including shipping and receiving, maintain optimal stock levels, manage costs, and prevent disruptions in supply.

• Owning the management of the post sales process, ensuring efficiencies and collaboration across all teams.

• Identifying cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies while maintaining quality and service standards.

• Championing a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging employees to identify, document, and implement initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and overall performance.

• Having a zero tolerance to defects and errors, and improve quality.

You will be a hands-on leader who combines strategic thinking with operational rigour and will be reporting to the Managing Director.

You’re experienced in scaling operations, driving performance and leading people through change in a fast-paced manufacturing or production environment.

In addition to this you should have experience in / as:

• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive management experience within manufacturing, production, or operations environments.

• Strong background in manufacturing, supply chain and business operations.

• Expertise in lean methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, CI) and operational transformation.

• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (ideally Microsoft Dynamics), supply chain software and inventory management tools.

• Financially astute, with experience in budgeting, cost control, and forecasting.

• NEBOSH or IOSH qualified, with a clear understanding of HSE best practice.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering or equivalent experience

• Demonstrated success in a general management or senior leadership position.

• Strong background in company operations, specific knowledge of manufacturing.

Your Leadership Style:

• Inspirational, collaborative, and focused on empowering others.

• Decisive and data-led, with strong critical thinking and change management skills.

• Able to coach and develop high-performing teams while holding people to account.

• Comfortable leading cross-functional initiatives and engaging stakeholders at all levels.

If you feel you have the necessary skills and experience to be successful in this role click on “APPLY” today!

No agencies please.