Head of Manufacturing

Michael Page; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Bonus

Benefits

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a Head of Manufacturing in Greater Manchester to lead production operations, shape operational strategy, and drive continuous improvement. This pivotal role reports to the Managing Director and focuses on delivering safe, on-time, high-quality products while developing high-performing teams.

The ideal candidate will have senior manufacturing leadership experience, expertise in Lean and operational excellence, and a track record of improving productivity, quality, and

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all manufacturing operations.
• Develop and implement manufacturing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead and inspire production teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure production targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
• Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, quality, and delivery performance.
• Monitor and report on key operational KPIs.
• Optimise resource utilisation, labour planning, and manufacturing capacity.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to eliminate waste, reduce costs, and improve productivity.
• Implement best practices in operational excellence and manufacturing performance.
• Drive a culture of innovation and process improvement throughout the operation.
• Ensure products meet customer, regulatory, and company quality standards.
• Maintain robust quality management processes and controls.
• Lead corrective actions and root cause investigations where required.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry and regulatory requirements.
• Lead, coach, and develop manufacturing managers, supervisors, and team leaders.
• Build succession plans and support the development of future leaders.
• Drive employee engagement and performance management processes.
• Create a high-performance culture focused on achieving business objectives.
• Manage manufacturing budgets and operational costs.
• Deliver productivity and efficiency improvements that enhance profitability.
• Support capital investment planning and business improvement projects.
• Contribute to business planning and strategic growth initiatives.

Skills

Senior leadership

Operational excellence

Lean manufacturing

Production planning

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Financial awareness

People development

Education

Degree in Manufacturing/Engineering/Operations Management

NEBOSH/IOSH Health & Safety qualification

ERP or manufacturing systems experience

Tools

ERP software

Manufacturing systems

Job description

Head of Manufacturing based in Greater Manchester. Working for a growing, well established manufacturing company

We are a well-established and growing manufacturing company with a reputation for quality, innovation, and customer service.

Operating in a fast-paced environment, we supply products to customers across multiple sectors and continue to invest in our people, facilities, and technology.

As part of our continued growth, we are looking for a Head of Manufacturing who can lead our operations into the next phase of development

Description

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Manufacturing to lead our production operations and drive performance across our manufacturing business in Greater Manchester.

This is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing all manufacturing activities, ensuring products are delivered safely, efficiently, on time, and to the highest quality standards. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will play a key role in shaping operational strategy, developing high-performing teams, and driving continuous improvement throughout the business.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious manufacturing leader who is passionate about operational excellence, people development, and delivering sustainable business growth.

• Key Responsibilities:Provide strategic leadership for all manufacturing operations.
• Develop and implement manufacturing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead and inspire production teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure production targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
• Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, quality, and delivery performance.
• Monitor and report on key operational KPIs.
• Optimise resource utilisation, labour planning, and manufacturing capacity.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to eliminate waste, reduce costs, and improve productivity.
• Implement best practices in operational excellence and manufacturing performance.
• Drive a culture of innovation and process improvement throughout the operation.
• Ensure products meet customer, regulatory, and company quality standards.
• Maintain robust quality management processes and controls.
• Lead corrective actions and root cause investigations where required.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry and regulatory requirements..
• Lead, coach, and develop manufacturing managers, supervisors, and team leaders.
• Build succession plans and support the development of future leaders.
• Drive employee engagement and performance management processes.
• Create a high-performance culture focused on achieving business objectives.
• Manage manufacturing budgets and operational costs.
• Deliver productivity and efficiency improvements that enhance profitability.
• Support capital investment planning and business improvement projects.
• Contribute to business planning and strategic growth initiatives.

Profile

You are a proven manufacturing leader with strong technical and operational expertise. You thrive in a fast-paced production environment and have a track record of building high-performing teams while improving efficiency, quality, and profitability.

You combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach and are capable of driving change while maintaining focus on operational performance.

• Significant senior leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Preferably a fast paced, high volume manufacturing or FMCG background.
• Proven track record of leading production operations and delivering measurable improvements in performance.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production planning, and operational management.
• Experience leading continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, or operational excellence programmes.
• Strong financial and commercial awareness.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing large teams and developing future leaders.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, quality, and compliance requirements.
• Desirable Qualifications & Experience
• Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent qualification
• NEBOSH, IOSH, or similar Health & Safety qualification.
• Experience implementing ERP or manufacturing systems.
• Experience leading automation, digitalisation, or manufacturing transformation projects.

Job Offer

£70,000 to £90,000 plus car allowance, bonus and benefits, dependent on current salary and experience level.