Head of Manufacturing

Consortium Professional Recruitment; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Senior leadership role

Site development investment

Blackpool location

Job summary

Consortium Professional Recruitment has been retained by an established manufacturer to appoint a Head of Manufacturing to lead and develop its Blackpool operations. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on management to deliver safe, efficient production and to drive continuous improvement across the site.

The successful candidate will balance immediate production demands with longer‑term development, coaching managers, and shaping the site’s direction as a senior leader with real

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience within a sizeable manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and continuous production.
• Experience delivering improvements in productivity, quality, cost and delivery.
• Practical knowledge of lean manufacturing and performance management.
• Ability to influence at shop-floor and senior leadership levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations to achieve targets safely and efficiently.
• Coach and develop production managers and team leaders to build a high-performing culture.
• Drive continuous improvement across productivity, quality, cost and equipment utilisation.
• Oversee production planning and resource allocation to meet changing demands.
• Collaborate with engineering, planning and stakeholders to strengthen performance.
• Identify and implement practical improvements to processes and working practices.

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Stakeholder management

Communication

People development

Job description

Head of Manufacturing

Consortium Professional Recruitment has been retained by this established manufacturer to support the appointment of a Head of Manufacturing to lead and develop its Blackpool operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader to take ownership of a sizeable production facility, with the scope to influence performance, develop people and support the continued evolution of the facility.

The successful Head of Manufacturing will combine strong operational leadership with a practical, hands‑on approach. You'll be comfortable balancing immediate production demands with longer‑term improvement objectives, bringing the experience, judgement and people skills needed to deliver results in a busy manufacturing environment.

The opportunity could equally suit an accomplished Head of Manufacturing or Senior Production leader looking to progress into a director‑level appointment.

The Role

As Head of Manufacturing, you will take responsibility for the day‑to‑day performance and ongoing development of the manufacturing operation. Working closely with senior leadership and other departments, you'll ensure production priorities are effectively managed, balancing customer requirements, internal supply commitments and wider business objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets are achieved safely, efficiently and consistently.
• Develop, coach and support production managers and team leaders, building a positive, accountable and high‑performing culture.
• Drive continuous improvement across productivity, quality, cost, operational efficiency and equipment utilisation.
• Oversee production planning and resource allocation, responding effectively to changing demands and competing operational priorities.
• Work collaboratively with engineering, planning and other stakeholders to strengthen performance, resolve challenges and deliver against business expectations.
• Identify and implement practical improvements to manufacturing processes, systems and working practices.
• Support the longer‑term development of the site, translating strategic objectives into achievable operational priorities.

About You

We're looking for an experienced manufacturing professional who combines strong technical and operational understanding with the ability to lead, influence and develop people.

You'll ideally demonstrate:

• Proven leadership experience within a sizeable manufacturing or production environment, with responsibility for operational performance and team development.
• A strong understanding of manufacturing processes, with exposure to continuous production and manual assembly operations particularly beneficial.
• Demonstrable experience improving productivity, quality, cost and delivery performance through effective operational management.
• A practical understanding of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement principles and performance management measures.
• The ability to balance short‑term operational pressures with longer‑term development priorities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence at both shop‑floor and senior leadership levels.
• A resilient, adaptable and approachable leadership style, with a willingness to remain close to day‑to‑day operations.

Above all, you'll be someone who enjoys making a tangible difference. You won't be afraid to challenge established ways of working, but you'll recognise that sustainable improvement comes through engaging people, building trust and bringing teams with you.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary of £70,000 to £80,000, plus benefits.
• A senior leadership appointment with genuine responsibility and influence.
• The opportunity to lead an established manufacturing operation benefiting from continued investment and development.
• Scope to shape operational performance, strengthen capability and contribute to the longer‑term direction of the business.