Manufacturing Controller Lineside

Guidant Global; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Controller for their facility in Stevenage, UK. The role involves managing the loading and monitoring of work packages in a high-tech environment while applying lean principles like Kanban. Candidates must have proven experience in manufacturing control and inventory operations, along with strong attention to detail. This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with the UK military and includes comprehensive training and development programs.

Benefits

Comprehensive training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in manufacturing control and stores operations.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and adapt to varying shift patterns.
• Strong attention to detail with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Manage loading, control, and monitoring of work packages.
• Oversee inventory operations, ensuring compliance and monitoring.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles to manage inventory.

Skills

Manufacturing control experience

Attention to detail

Production line operations

Inventory management

ERP systems proficiency

Education

Trained in manual handling and ESD procedures

Certified in lifting and slinging operations

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Forklift Truck (FLT)

Job description

Our client, a trusted partner to the UK's Ministry of Defence, seeks an experienced Manufacturing Controller – (lineside focused) to join their Henlow facility. You’ll manage the loading, control, and monitoring of work packages in a high‑tech environment, applying lean principles such as Kanban and two‑bin systems to maintain inventory flow and prevent shortages. Proven experience in stores management, production lineside operations, or manufacturing control is essential, along with strong attention to detail and a focus on operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply manufacturing control processes and demonstrate proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP.
• Manage inventory operations, including issuing, receiving, and maintaining stock within a structured stores environment.
• Oversee stock control and storekeeping, ensuring compliance and monitoring of critical shelf‑life items.
• Load manufacturing cells with scheduled jobs, aligning with lead times, cycle times, and delivery targets.
• Support packing operations using hand tools and manage tooling for issue and return.
• Execute kitting activities by assembling and preparing components for efficient production.
• Safely load and unload goods vehicles, ensuring accurate documentation and smooth material flow.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles by using Kanban and two‑bin systems to manage inventory, ensuring smooth material availability and preventing shortages on the production line.

What do you need?

• Proven experience in manufacturing control and stores operations within a steady‑paced production environment.
• Flexible and reliable, with the ability to follow detailed instructions and adapt to varying shift patterns.
• Strong attention to detail and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Trained in manual handling and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) procedures to ensure safe and compliant material handling.
• Certified in lifting and slinging operations, including the use of overhead cranes for safe movement of heavy components.

Desirable skills

• Demonstrated experience in line‑side stores and manufacturing control environments (note: general warehousing experience not applicable).
• Proficient in PC‑based tasks, including strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for inventory tracking and reporting.
• Holds a valid Forklift Truck (FLT) licence and up‑to‑date medical clearance for operating material handling equipment.
• Familiar with lean manufacturing principles, including Kanban and two‑bin systems for efficient stock replenishment.
• Experienced in using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP for inventory management and production support.

Security Clearance

British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by our client’s Security Team.

What happens now?

Upon submission of your application, should it meet our selection criteria, you will be contacted via e‑mail by one of our talent acquisition specialists to arrange a screening call. This telephone chat is structured to explore a series of questions aimed at matching your competencies and capabilities to the specific demands of the position. Please note, this screening is contingent upon the initial success of your application.

More about the role

For more than 70 years, our client has been in a strong partnership with the UK military. They have accomplished numerous milestones in defence engineering and have provided essential defence capabilities to meet the requirements of the armed forces across land, sea, and air.

Location and benefits

This role is based near our client’s headquarters in Stevenage, a key site for missile operations with excellent transportation links. Employees receive comprehensive training and development opportunities.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG – The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.