Head of Manufacturing

Hydrokem Aerosols Ltd; Birkenhead; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Hydrokem Aerosols Ltd in Wirral seeks a Head of Manufacturing to lead the plant's operational performance, ensuring safety, quality, and continuous improvement. You will coordinate with engineering, finance and quality teams to drive efficiency and meet business KPIs.

This hands-on role requires a strong engineering background, Lean Six Sigma expertise, and the ability to manage a diverse workforce while delivering sustained productivity gains across the production process.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in operations management within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong engineering background (Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical).
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities with a history of managing permanent and agency teams.
• Extensive hands-on experience applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies for continuous improvement.
• Solid experience in HR-related processes including performance reviews and disciplinary matters.
• Excellent communication, organization, and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and hands-on management of all plant operations, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Deliver sustained performance improvements in productivity, quality, and efficiency aligned with KPIs.
• Lead and inspire a diverse workforce, including permanent production operators and agency staff.
• Ensure seamless integration with engineering, quality assurance, technical and finance teams to meet objectives.
• Champion Lean Six Sigma principles and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
• Build and empower a high-performing team with accountability and growth.
• Oversee HR processes including annual appraisals and disciplinary procedures.
• Uphold health, safety and environmental standards across operations.
• Monitor budgets and drive cost efficiencies, addressing variances.
• Collaborate with Engineering on large-scale process improvements and capital projects.
• Engage staff at all levels to support wellbeing and engagement.

Skills

Operations management

Engineering background

Lean Six Sigma

Leadership

HR processes

Communication

Job description

Hydrokem Aerosols are located on the Wirral and specialise in the manufacture of aerosol and bag on valve products. We supply to a wide range of market sectors including personal care, healthcare/medical devices, veterinary, household, automotive and technical.

Hydrokem Aerosols is a part of Clinimed Holding Limited, a group of companies founded in 1982 following the acquisition and formation of number of additional companies within the group.

If you have passion for learning and want to build a career with a company that values its employees and is dedicated to making a positive impact in the world, we encourage you to apply.

About Job:

As a Head of Manufacturing, you will lead the operational performance of our dynamic manufacturing plant. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this pivotal role involves overseeing all day-to-day operations to ensure optimal productivity, health and safety compliance, quality standards, and continuous improvement across the site.

You will work closely with cross‑functional teams including technical, engineering, finance, and quality to drive efficiency and operational excellence throughout the production process. This is a hands‑on leadership position, ideal for someone with a strong engineering background and a passion for enhancing operational performance.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide visionary leadership and hands‑on management of all plant operations, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Deliver sustained performance improvements in productivity, quality, and efficiency aligned with business KPIs.
• Lead and inspire a diverse workforce, encompassing permanent production operators and agency staff, fostering collaboration and high engagement.
• Ensure seamless operational integration with engineering, quality assurance, technical, and finance teams to meet business objectives.
• Champion the adoption and advancement of Lean Six Sigma principles, embedding a culture of continuous improvement across all functions.
• Build, develop, and empower a high‑performing team, promoting accountability, ownership, and professional growth.
• Oversee critical HR functions including annual performance appraisals, capability assessments, and the management of disciplinary and grievance procedures.
• Uphold rigorous health, safety, and environmental compliance standards throughout all operations.
• Monitor and manage operational budgets, delivering cost efficiencies and proactively addressing any variances.
• Collaborate closely with the Engineering team to spearhead large‑scale process improvement and capital projects.
• Engage authentically with personnel at all levels, actively supporting employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives.
• Effectively prioritize and manage competing demands to maximize machine utilization and operational output.

About You:

An ideal candidate for this position will have the following experience, skills, and attributes. Please note that these competencies are not ranked in order of priority. Following criteria will be used in selecting a candidate.

• Proven track record in operations management within a manufacturing environment, demonstrating adaptability in dynamic and fast‑paced settings.
• Strong engineering background (Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical) with practical understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with a history of motivating, developing, and managing both permanent and agency teams.
• Extensive hands‑on experience applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive measurable continuous improvement.
• Solid experience in managing HR-related processes, including performance management, capability reviews, and disciplinary/grievance matters.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and decision‑making skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Previous experience contributing as a key member of a Senior Leadership Team, driving strategic initiatives and operational excellence.