Head of Manufacturing & Operational Excellence

Hunter Selection; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced company pension

26 days holiday + bank holidays

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Free on-site car parking

Job summary

Hunter Selection is partnering with a leading international manufacturer to appoint a Manufacturing Director in Cardiff. The role oversees Manufacturing, Engineering and Operational Excellence within a highly regulated production environment, supporting multiple product streams and technologies.

The successful candidate will drive safety, quality, delivery and cost improvements through continuous improvement methodologies, performance management and structured problem-solving.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in a Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, Scientific, or related discipline, or equivalent leadership experience.
• Proven experience leading manufacturing and engineering functions within a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering operational improvement and driving business results through effective leadership.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities with practical, sustainable solutions.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills across multiple functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead Manufacturing, Engineering, and Operational Excellence functions across a complex regulated production environment.
• Drive improvements in safety, quality, delivery and cost through CI methodologies and structured problem solving.
• Deliver sustained performance improvements across metrics including customer service, productivity, asset utilisation and yield.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Quality, Facilities and EHS teams to identify opportunities and execute strategic improvements.
• Lead engineering teams to enhance manufacturing capability, equipment reliability and process robustness.
• Foster collaboration across internal functions and external partners to improve end-to-end performance.
• Develop, coach and inspire high-performing teams with a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Engineering/Manufacturing/Scientific

Job description

Hunter Selection is partnering with a leading international manufacturer to appoint a Manufacturing Director in Cardiff. The role oversees Manufacturing, Engineering and Operational Excellence within a highly regulated production environment, supporting multiple product streams and technologies.

The successful candidate will drive safety, quality, delivery and cost improvements through continuous improvement methodologies, performance management and structured problem-solving.