Head of Manufacturing

Head of Manufacturing – Tier 1 Manufacturer

This is an operational turnaround role, that requires good leadership that embeds a right first-time mentality. Accountability not only for operational performance but ownership in each person's drive to improve the business overall.

Location: West Midlands, Greater Birmingham Area

Parkinson Lee Executive Search is supporting a leading Tier 1 manufacturer of precision-engineered components in the appointment of an Interim Head of Manufacturing to oversee complex, high-volume operations during a critical period of change and transformation.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced manufacturing professional to take the reins of a multi-site operation, ensuring performance, quality, and delivery are aligned to the business’s strategic objectives.

About the Role

Working closely with the senior leadership team, the Interim Head of Manufacturing will take full accountability for operational output across machining, fabrication, forging, and assembly – ensuring safety, quality, cost, and delivery standards are consistently met.

You’ll lead a team of 350+ across a complex, fast-paced manufacturing environment, delivering engineered parts to Tier 1 OEMs in aerospace, automotive, or industrial sectors.

Key Focus Areas

1. Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations across machining, fabrication, forging, and assembly
2. Drive accountability and performance through strong, people-centred leadership
3. Embed lean principles and operational discipline across all lines
4. Ensure robust planning, materials flow, and production scheduling
5. Oversee process improvement and change delivery with a hands-on, on-the-ground approach
6. Act as a key player in embedding a right-first-time quality culture

Experience Required

1. Proven experience as a senior manufacturing leader in a high-volume, complex engineering business
2. Strong technical knowledge of machining, fabrication, forging, and assembly: Aerospace, Aviation, Defence, Precision Engineering, Metal Forming, Forging.
3. Experience leading large teams (250+ headcount) in a unionised or heavily structured environment
4. Demonstrated success in turnaround, transformation, or interim assignments
5. Skilled in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational control
6. Track record of driving performance and embedding a culture of ownership and accountability
7. Strong character with the ability to work with and through people – influencing and inspiring across all levels
8. Confident, energetic, and visible leadership style – able to engage, challenge, and inspire teams
9. Sector experience in aerospace, defence, automotive, or advanced manufacturing is highly desirable

Why Join?

1. Immediate impact in a business-critical role with executive-level visibility
2. Work with a highly regarded Tier 1 manufacturer on a clear transformation journey
3. Influence and embed operational best practice at scale

Compensation:

£120,000 + Car Allowance, no Bonus, Pension, Holiday, Private Healthcare.

To Apply

Contact Parkinson Lee Executive Search - For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Carl Walker | Partner & Practice Lead

07710 096 840