Head of Manufacturing

Paradigm Employment Services; Broughton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension/ holiday entitlement

Health care plan

Great company to work for

Job summary

Paradigm Employment Services in the UK is seeking an experienced Head of Manufacturing to lead the manufacturing function, drive operational excellence, and shape the future of production across multiple sectors.

You will develop high‑performing teams, implement continuous improvement through Lean/Six Sigma, ensure safety and quality, manage budgets, and report on KPIs as a member of the senior leadership team. This on-site role offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Qualifications

• Senior manufacturing leadership experience in multi-disciplinary operations.
• Proven track record of driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills for high-performing teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and quality systems.
• Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma or CI initiatives with measurable results.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen including budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Lead senior manufacturing operations and set strategic direction.
• Drive productivity, quality and cost-efficiency through data-driven decisions.
• Develop and coach Production Managers, Supervisors and Team Leaders.
• Champion a safe and compliant manufacturing environment.
• Embed Lean, 5S and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ensure right-first-time manufacturing standards and strong CAPA processes.
• Manage budgets and resources to support business objectives.
• Build cross-functional relationships with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, Finance and HR.
• Oversee workforce planning, engagement and performance management.

Skills

Strategic leadership

People management

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Communication

Continuous improvement

Change leadership

Education

HNC/HND or degree in Manufacturing/Engineering

Job description

Head of Manufacturing

We have an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Head of Manufacturing to join one of the UK's leading manufacturers, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and engineering excellence. With a strong reputation for designing and manufacturing market-leading products, the business supplies customers across a diverse range of sectors throughout the UK and internationally.

As the organisation continues to invest in its people, technology, and manufacturing capability, this pivotal leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the future of its manufacturing operations. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will lead the manufacturing function, driving operational excellence, developing high-performing teams, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement to support the company's long-term strategic objectives.

Main responsibilities for the successful Head of Manufacturing

Success in this role means delivering outstanding operational results, empowering and developing your teams, driving productivity and innovation, and creating a manufacturing environment where people feel engaged, supported, and proud to contribute.

• Act as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to the wider business strategy while driving a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence across the manufacturing function.
• Provide strategic leadership for all manufacturing operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of production plans while meeting business objectives.
• Lead, inspire, and develop Production Managers, Supervisors, and Team Leaders, creating a high-performing culture built on accountability, collaboration, and continuous development.
• Champion a zero-harm health and safety culture, ensuring full compliance with legislation, company policies, and industry best practice.
• Drive operational excellence by improving productivity, efficiency, quality, and manufacturing performance through the effective use of KPIs and data-driven decision-making.
• Embed Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies to reduce waste, optimise processes, and increase operational capability.
• Ensure robust quality standards are maintained across all manufacturing activities, promoting a 'right first time' approach and leading corrective and preventive improvement initiatives.
• Develop workforce capability through effective succession planning, coaching, mentoring, and structured training programmes to build future manufacturing leaders.
• Manage manufacturing budgets and operational resources effectively, identifying opportunities to improve cost efficiency without compromising safety, quality, or customer service.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, Finance, and HR to deliver business objectives and drive operational success.
• Lead workforce planning, employee engagement, and performance management, fostering a positive working environment where people are empowered to achieve their full potential.

Main requirement for the successful Head of Manufacturing

• Proven experience in a senior manufacturing leadership role, leading multi-disciplinary production operations.
• Demonstrable success in driving operational excellence, improving productivity, quality, and overall manufacturing performance.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to inspire, develop, and mentor high-performing teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Health & Safety legislation, quality management systems, and regulatory compliance within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement initiatives that deliver measurable business improvements.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, resources, and operational performance.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective cross-functional relationships.
• HNC, HND, degree, or equivalent qualification in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline (desirable).
• Experience within fabrication, sheet steel processing, assembly, or engineered products manufacturing would be advantageous.

What we offer in return to the successful Head of Manufacturing

• Monday to Friday ( on site based)
• Competitive salary of £70,000-£80,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Pension/ holiday entitlement / Health care plan
• Great company to work for!

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative, forward-thinking organisation that values talent, fosters career progression, and empowers its team to make a real impact on the global stage.