Head of Manufacturing

Empresaria Group plc; Swindon; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in the South West of England is seeking a Head of Manufacturing to lead the UK production strategy. You will build and lead a manufacturing function, driving innovation and quality in unmanned systems. The ideal candidate has proven leadership experience in Aerospace or Defence, with a strong grasp of modern production techniques and a collaborative approach. Competitive salary based on experience.

Benefits

Excellent work environment

Opportunity to make a difference

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in Aerospace, Defence, or advanced technology Manufacturing.
• Deep understanding of modern production techniques.
• Experience building and scaling teams and facilities.
• Strong understanding of quality systems (AS9100 / ISO9001) and regulatory environments.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the UK production and manufacturing function.
• Develop and implement scalable, flexible manufacturing systems.
• Foster a culture of innovation and empowerment.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to maintain exceptional quality.
• Implement modern digital manufacturing tools and methods.

Skills

Leadership

Lean principles

Digital manufacturing

Team-building

Communication

Job description

Head of Manufacturing

Permanent

Location: South West England (commutable from Swindon, Reading, Oxford, Newbury, Chippenham, Cirencester, Bath, and surrounding areas)

We operate across four strategic areas, combining artificial intelligence, systems engineering, data science, and aerospace technology to tackle global challenges from protecting people and critical infrastructure to exploring space.

We offer a unique surveillance-as-a-service solution that delivers real-time intelligence, enhancing maritime safety and saving lives. Our products and services support strategic and operational decisions in the most demanding environments whether at sea, on land, in space, or in cyberspace.

Become part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and mission-driven team that is transforming maritime surveillance and redefining global safety standards.

Our mission is to provide limitless support through mission-oriented game-changers, delivering the right information at the right time to empower critical decision-making.

Mission

We are seeking a Head of UK Production to lead the establishment and scaling of our UK manufacturing capability. This is not a traditional Defence manufacturing role we are looking for a leader who blends technical depth with entrepreneurial drive, capable of building a lean, adaptive, and quality-obsessed production organisation.

You will be responsible for developing the UK production strategy, facilities, and processes that will enable us to deliver world-class unmanned systems at speed – from rapid prototyping to full-rate production.

What will be your responsibilities

• Build and lead the UK production and manufacturing function including team formation, process design, and facility setup
• Develop and implement scalable, flexible manufacturing systems capable of supporting rapid iteration, prototyping, and small-to-medium batch production
• Foster a culture of innovation and empowerment – enabling engineering and production teams to experiment, learn, and continuously improve
• Collaborate cross-functionally to shorten development cycles and maintain exceptional quality
• Implement modern digital manufacturing tools and methods, such as additive manufacturing, digital twins, and data driven production control and quality
• Ensure regulatory and quality compliance while maintaining agility and innovation
• Oversee supplier relationships and develop a responsive, resilient supply chain with an emphasis on UK content and rapid turnaround
• Champion continuous improvement through lean manufacturing, Kaizen, and data-led decision-making
• Drive sustainability and efficiency in materials, energy, and process management

Profile and requirements

• Proven leadership experience in Aerospace, Defence, or advanced technology Manufacturing
• Deep understanding of modern production techniques, lean principles, and digital manufacturing
• Experience building and scaling teams and facilities from early stage to operational maturity
• Track record of delivering complex, high-quality engineered products to demanding standards
• Strong understanding of quality systems (AS9100 / ISO9001) and regulatory environments
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on, collaborative approach
• Excellent communication, team-building and coaching skills

What we have to offer you

• An excellent work environment and an opportunity to make a difference;
• Salary Compatible with the level of proven experience.