Manufacturing Devlopment Manager

Material Evolution; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday incl. birthday

Learning & development budget

Social events

Healthcare partner

Job summary

Material Evolution, a UK materials technology company, seeks a Manufacturing Operations Leader to drive performance across production, maintenance and development activities.

You will lead production teams, oversee planning, ensure safety, quality and efficiency, and work with Engineering, Maintenance and R&D to scale processes from pilot to production. A hands-on, proactive leader with strong problem-solving and communication skills is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in manufacturing, production engineering or industrial operations.
• Proven ability to lead production teams and manage day-to-day activities.
• Hands-on fault finding, troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment.
• Experience implementing PPM programmes and improving reliability.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes, safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead production teams, managing performance, training and development.
• Oversee production planning, resources, stock control and operational delivery.
• Ensure manufacturing targets, quality standards and efficiency are achieved.

Skills

Leadership

Production planning

Troubleshooting

Quality awareness

Safety awareness

Education

Engineering qualification or apprenticeship

Tools

PLCs

HMIs

SCADA

Job description

About us

Material Evolution is a materials technology company founded in 2020 by Dr. Liz Gilligan and Sam Clark. Headquartered in Middlesbrough, in 2024 we commissioned the UK’s largest ultra-low-carbon cement factory in Wrexham.

We exist to solve one of the world’s toughest climate problems. As a team of scientists, engineers, and commercial and operational experts, we’re rethinking how essential materials are made; starting with cement, an industry responsible for around 8% of global CO₂ emissions.

Backed by leading impact and technology investors, we’re on a mission to rapidly and radically decarbonise industrial materials. If you’re motivated by real-world impact and want to work close to the heart of a purpose-driven business, you’ll feel at home here.

Manufacturing Operations & Leadership

• Lead production teams, managing performance, training and development.
• Oversee production planning, resources, stock control and operational delivery.
• Ensure manufacturing targets, quality standards and efficiency are achieved.

Engineering & Maintenance

• Develop and manage planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programmes.
• Undertake hands-on fault finding, troubleshooting and equipment maintenance within appropriate competence.
• Lead equipment installation, commissioning and upgrades, coordinating external contractors where required.

Manufacturing Development & Scale-Up

• Lead manufacturing process development and scale-up to commercial production.
• Work with R&D teams to introduce and optimise manufacturing processes.
• Drive improvements in equipment performance, automation and production capacity.

Health, Safety & Quality

• Ensure compliance with health, safety and quality requirements.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, risk assessments and safe working practices.
• Maintain product quality, batch traceability and accurate production records.

Continuous Improvement

• Improve productivity, equipment reliability and manufacturing efficiency.
• Monitor production KPIs, downtime, waste and operating costs.
• Support operational planning and future equipment investment.

Essential

• Strong experience in manufacturing, production engineering or industrial operations.
• Proven ability to lead production teams and manage day-to-day manufacturing activities.
• Practical mechanical engineering knowledge and hands-on equipment maintenance experience.
• Experience implementing PPM programmes, fault finding and troubleshooting industrial equipment.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning and operational efficiency.
• Experience improving equipment reliability, production performance and manufacturing processes.
• Strong knowledge of industrial health and safety requirements.
• Confident interpreting technical drawings, equipment manuals and engineering documentation.
• Strong leadership, communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to take ownership and work independently.
• Valid driving licence permitting the operation of Category B vehicles in the UK.

Desirable

• Engineering qualification or recognised apprenticeship in mechanical, electrical or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience in batch manufacturing, process manufacturing or bulk materials handling.
• Experience scaling manufacturing processes from pilot to commercial production.
• Knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems or industrial automation.
• Experience commissioning, modifying or developing manufacturing equipment.
• Experience working with R&D teams on new manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, OEE and continuous improvement.
• Experience managing engineering contractors, budgets and equipment suppliers.

Our Benefits and Perks

At Material Evolution, we provide everything you need to perform at your best. Our rewards, benefits, and initiatives are designed to support your career growth, enhance your well-being, and contribute positively to our community.

Along with a competitive salary, we offer an outstanding benefits package, including 25 days holiday (plus an extra day for your birthday), access to a learning & development budget and social events. At Material Evolution, we are passionate about well-being and have partnered with a leading healthcare provider.