Head of Manufacturing

Rolls-Royce; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global engineering firm is seeking a Head of Manufacturing for its Bristol office. This role involves defining the operating model for a modern facility and managing a multi-functional leadership team. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with safety regulations, driving continuous improvement, and developing strategic plans. A proven track record in manufacturing leadership and strong analytical skills are required. Join us to be part of a high-performance culture focused on innovation and industry excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in a large high-technology engineering organization.
• Strong financial/commercial acumen.
• Experience in industries such as energy, defence, aerospace is preferable.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the operating model for manufacturing.
• Manage a multi-functional leadership team.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for Zero Defects.

Skills

Manufacturing Leadership experience

Strong leadership qualities

Analytical and strategic thinking

Effective communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Tools

Catia

Job description

Job Description

Head of Manufacturing

Full‑Time, Bristol site‑based

Management level B

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Manufacturing to join our Defence Operations team in Bristol.

As Head of Manufacturing you will be responsible for defining and delivering the operating model for a modern state‑of‑the‑art facility to ensure it is capable of meeting business and customer requirements for safety, quality, cost, delivery rate and lead time (SQCD). In this role you will be responsible for defining the operating culture and provide the coaching required to fully inspire, motivate and enable a high‑performing multi‑functional workforce.

The role will be technically responsible for transformation and ramp‑up of a large range of manufacturing processes. Working closely with operations the role will provide technical support (including problem‑solving, non‑conformance management and method‑of‑manufacture ownership for production of products) and drive continuous improvement with the team.

As a Senior Leader you will be accountable for managing a multi‑functional leadership team which includes operations, planning, quality, manufacturing engineering and business improvement. You will have full accountability for ensuring that you and the team deliver quality products to customers on time and right the first time.

The Head of Manufacturing will report to the SVP Manufacturing Assembly & Test for the business unit in Bristol.

Why Rolls‑Royce

At Rolls‑Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.

By joining Rolls‑Royce, you’ll have the opportunity to work on world‑class solutions supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high‑performance culture.

We want to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that has shaped our history continues into our future and we need people like you to come and join us on this journey. We’re a leading global player in the defence aero‑engine market. From combat to transport trainers to helicopters we provide 16,000 military engines and pioneering service solutions to 160 customers in 103 countries.

We’ll provide an environment of caring and belonging where you can be yourself. An inclusive, innovative culture that invests in you gives you access to an incredible breadth and depth of opportunities where you can grow your career and make a difference.

This multifaceted role will give you an opportunity to work in a world‑class engineering and manufacturing environment using your knowledge of security standards and compliance to ensure the highest standards of security are maintained.

What you will be doing

In this exciting role you will be involved in a broader role in looking at the long‑term strategy for the site acting as an ambassador for RR with our customers as well as:

• Facilitating the development and operation of the manufacturing processes (Capability Acquisition, Product Introduction & Continuous Improvement) within the facility.
• Developing, optimising and executing an effective load and capacity planning regime balancing near and long‑term planning horizons in line with strategy. Managing plant bottlenecks and constraints to achieve flow through the plant. Driving plant inventory targets and eliminating slow‑moving WIP.
• Defining, implementing and delivering the Zero Harm plan for the plant. Ensuring full compliance to health, safety and environmental standards. Responsibility for the delivery of the HSE strategic plan. Actively involved in all the plant wellbeing activities.
• Accountability for ensuring that all work is carried out in compliance with the required standards to ensure conformance to the engineering specification and for promoting a product safety culture in the organisation.
• Designing, influencing and deploying the strategic plan for Zero Defects for the plant ensuring the cross‑functional teams integrate to reduce risk and drive right the first time. Understand the technical company and legislative policies and standards associated with your area of responsibility and ensure compliance.
• Developing and agreeing the operational and financial budgets for the facility; implementing robust monitoring and controlling of the areas financials to ensure the budget is met.
• Ensuring that plant leadership cross‑functional team members receive training, coaching and development to carry out their roles effectively. Ensure that robust people plans (succession, recruitment pipeline) are in place for key roles in the business. Driving plant flexibility by optimising training plans across the plant.
• Ensuring that relevant Production System minimum standards are fully deployed and sustained within the business in support of performance objectives. Coaching the cross‑functional team to continuously improve. Ensuring there is the seeking and sharing of best practice internally and externally.
• Inspiring the manufacturing team to consistently deliver high levels of performance through facilitation coaching and the demonstration of lean leadership behaviours. Motivating, delegating and empowering team members to act and make their own decisions.
• Ensuring potential threats to the objectives of the plant are regularly and clearly identified, assessed and managed to acceptable levels and that effective controls are maintained to keep threats at those residual levels. Ensuring robust Business Continuity Plans are in place for all key resources (including e.g. building & infrastructure, equipment, input materials, IT, people) and are refreshed and tested regularly.
• Understanding and leading the deployment and use of digital systems and processes to improve product cost, quality and performance. Being competent in the use of the tools to manage area and people performance and leads compliance to digital standards and processes. Ensuring the facility aligns to RR digital manufacturing standards and strategy using the innovative technology which will be made available.

Who we’re looking for

At Rolls‑Royce we put safety first, do the right thing, keep it simple and make a difference. These principles form the behaviours that guide us and are an essential component of our assessment process. They are the fundamental qualities that we seek for all roles. For this role you will need to demonstrate understanding of the applicable health and safety standards and we are looking for someone who has:

• Proven track record of Manufacturing Leadership experience within a large or global high‑technology engineering organisation
• Strong leadership qualities to provide strategic direction, inspire teams and drive results
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills and ability to influence at all levels
• Credible expert with growth mindset, strong financial / commercial acumen and customer focus
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal to convey complex ideas, negotiate effectively and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders
• Ability to navigate complex business environments
• Experience of working with trade unions
• Inclusive and purposeful in their approach
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and a continuous improvement attitude
• Experience in industries such as energy, defence, aerospace is preferable although not mandatory

Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi‑year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls‑Royce into a high‑performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us and it can be your future vision too.

Rolls‑Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive and non‑discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation and everyone can thrive.

First stage interviews will take place 17th Dec.

Grade: Management level B

Key Skills: Energy Management, Insurance Management, HR Marketing, Catia, Administration and Secretarial

Posting Date: 05 Dec 2025 00 : 12

Posting End Date: 11 Dec 2025

Required Experience: Director

Vacancy: 1