Head of Manufacturing

JR United Kingdom; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the manufacturing sector is seeking a Site Leader to oversee operations across two sites in South-East England. The ideal candidate will have a strong leadership background in operations and engineering, with a focus on driving cultural change and operational excellence. This role offers the opportunity to shape production strategies and enhance service capabilities while ensuring safety and quality standards are met. With a competitive salary and great benefits, this is a chance to make a significant impact in the industry.

Benefits

Great benefits

Career opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong leadership background in operations, manufacturing, and engineering.
• Experience in FMCG is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational excellence and optimize supply chain performance.
• Lead a high-performing team and manage third-party partnerships.
• Achieve annual financial, operational, and safety goals.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Excellence

Cultural Change

Financial Management

Supply Chain Management

Education

Degree

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Location: South-East England (relocation available)

Salary: £90-110,000 + great benefits and career opportunities

With our Client, you can make an impact on the world around you and accelerate your career in areas that energise and excite you.

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Site Leader – Manufacturing (Industrial) with true ambition and potential. You will have an impressive career trajectory so far and will be keen to join an organisation that can continue to shape your future.

As a key leader within their organisation, you will drive operational excellence, optimise supply chain performance, and enhance service capabilities across two sites. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and elevate production and engineering strategies, ensuring safety, quality, efficiency, and scalability as the sites grow and evolve.

You will be responsible for the overall strategic coordination, direction, implementation, and execution of operations across both sites, including production, engineering, project management, technical, health and safety, and supply chain.

What you'll do

1. Build & Lead a High-Performing Team – Develop and inspire a best-in-class leadership team across both sites, cultivating a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
2. Optimise Operations – Ensure the right talent is in place and processes align with business objectives, driving operational excellence across all functions.
3. Cultural change – Lead the site through a cultural transformation, establishing outstanding communication standards.
4. Deliver Key Business Results – Achieve annual financial, operational, and safety goals, focusing on cost efficiency and risk mitigation.
5. Manage Third-Party Partnerships – Oversee the selection, contracting, auditing, and performance management of third-party providers to meet safety, service, and cost objectives.
6. Oversee Execution – Take ownership of daily operations to ensure seamless service delivery.
7. Shape Organizational Strategy – Contribute to the broader group’s strategy, supporting growth, new supplier integration, and product expansion.
8. Site Transformation – Identify change opportunities, develop strategies, and implement programs to enhance site performance.
9. Leadership – Provide guidance to site management and teams, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
10. Strategic Planning – Develop and execute plans aligned with the company's vision, monitoring progress and results.
11. Operational Best Practices – Implement maintenance, safety, and operational efficiency standards.
12. Capital Projects – Lead renovations and capital improvements.
13. Vendor Management – Manage vendor contracts for cost-effective, high-quality services.
14. Financial Management – Prepare and oversee budgets, ensuring cost control and financial accountability.
15. Safety Culture – Promote safety-first practices and ensure compliance with regulations.
16. Site Audits – Oversee and own site audit processes.

The person:

• Degree educated with a strong leadership background in operations, manufacturing, and engineering within industrial, chemical, or hazardous environments. FMCG experience is a plus.
• Ambitious with potential for future mobility, possibly progressing to roles like Operations Director.
• Proven success in leading complex teams, driving cultural change, and site transformation.
• Deep understanding of supply chain profitability and operational drivers.
• Skilled in navigating complex environments, influencing stakeholders, and aligning teams.
• Committed to developing talent and fostering high performance.
• Capable of managing challenges proactively and with discretion.