Head of Manufacturing

Origin Global; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellbeing plan

Pension

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Company car

Job summary

Origin Global is seeking an experienced Head of Manufacturing to lead a circa 100-person production operation in a fast-paced, high-variety, made-to-order environment. You will set the tone on the factory floor, partner with Shift Managers and Team Leaders, and drive safety, quality, productivity and continuous improvement.

You will lead a team focused on output, efficiency and best-practice processes while reducing overtime and scrap, and building a strong manufacturing leadership bench through

Qualifications

• Five years' management experience in high-variety, made-to-order manufacturing.
• Experience leading sizeable production teams through Shift Managers/Team Leaders or similar.
• Proven track record of improving output, productivity and operational efficiency.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to set high standards, hold people accountable and build engagement.
• Excellent organisation, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen and continuous improvement.
• Resilience and adaptability in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Drive daily and hour-by-hour production performance aligned to customer demand.
• Improve productivity, throughput and labour utilisation through better processes.
• Reduce overtime dependency through workforce planning and productivity.
• Identify and tackle root causes of waste, scrap, quality and operational issues.
• Lead continuous improvement activities including 5S, Kaizen and structured problem solving.
• Collaborate with Planning, Customer Service, Quality and Operations to improve OTIF.
• Lead, coach and develop frontline leaders, creating accountability.
• Set clear expectations and manage performance and attendance.
• Take ownership of production recruitment, training and workforce development.
• Champion housekeeping, workplace organisation and safety practices.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

People leadership

Continuous improvement

5S

Problem solving

Communication

Job description

We're looking for an experienced, people-focused Head of Manufacturing to lead our manufacturing operation and a production team of approximately 100 people. Operating within a fast-paced, high-variety, made-to-order environment, you'll be responsible for delivering customer demand while driving performance across safety, quality, productivity, efficiency and people development. This isn't a role to lead from behind a desk. We're looking for someone with a strong presence on the factory floor, working closely with our Shift Manager and Team Leaders to drive performance, tackle issues at source and build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. You'll focus on increasing output and efficiency, reducing reliance on overtime, tackling waste and scrap, improving workplace standards and developing a strong manufacturing leadership team.

What you'll be responsible for

• Drive daily and hour-by-hour production performance, ensuring resources are aligned to customer demand.
• Improve productivity, throughput and labour utilisation through better processes and working practices.
• Reduce overtime dependency through effective workforce planning and increased productivity.
• Identify and tackle the root causes of waste, scrap, quality and recurring operational issues.
• Lead continuous improvement activity including 5S, Kaizen and structured problem solving.
• Work collaboratively with Planning, Customer Service, Quality and Operations to improve overall performance and OTIF.
• Lead, coach and develop the Shift Manager and Team Leaders, creating a strong and accountable frontline leadership team.
• Set clear expectations and manage performance, attendance and conduct consistently and fairly.
• Take ownership of Production recruitment, training and workforce development.
• Champion excellent housekeeping, workplace organisation and safe working practices.

We're looking for someone who is equally comfortable driving the numbers and leading the people behind them. You'll ideally bring:

• At least five years' management experience within a high-variety, made-to-order manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading sizeable production teams through Shift Managers, Team Leaders or similar.
• A strong track record of improving output, productivity and operational efficiency.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to set high standards, hold people accountable and build engagement.
• Excellent organisation, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen and continuous improvement.
• The resilience and adaptability to operate effectively within a fast-moving manufacturing environment.

A Six Sigma qualification would be advantageous, although practical experience of delivering measurable continuous improvement is equally important.

Alongside a competitive salary and company car, you'll have access to a benefits package designed around your wellbeing, future and life outside of work:

• Health & Wellbeing - Medicash healthcare plan, 24/7 virtual GP, confidential wellbeing support and gym discounts.
• Family & Financial - Subsidised healthcare, Scottish Widows pension, life assurance and enhanced family-friendly benefits.
• Time & Recognition - 25 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays, Christmas shutdown and long-service recognition.
• Everyday Extras - Cycle to Work scheme, retail discounts, company social events and selected Wycombe Wanderers tickets.