Manufacturing Manager

Exactaform Cutting Tools; Ash Green; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Ash Green seeks a Manufacturing Manager to oversee daily operations and optimize production efficiency. The successful candidate will lead a team, implement Lean methodologies, and drive operational excellence while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. This role requires strong leadership and a proven track record in manufacturing, focusing on team development and continuous improvement. The company offers a dynamic work environment aimed at sustaining business growth through effective production strategies.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in manufacturing leadership, specifically in the engineering sector.
• Strong understanding of continuous improvement practices and Lean methodologies.
• Ability to develop and lead high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing operations ensuring efficiency and reliability.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production capabilities.
• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that align with business goals.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to maintain effective production schedules.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Leadership

Lean methodologies

Operational excellence

Team development

Job description

Manufacturing Manager reporting to the Operations Director with responsibility for 5 team leaders and 40 directs, bringing a wealth of manufacturing experience in the Engineering Sector (Cutting Tools preferred).

Objective of the Role

To lead and optimise all manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable production that meets customer demand and company growth targets. The role is responsible for delivering high performance across people, processes, and equipment, driving operational excellence, cost efficiency, and consistent product quality. Additionally, the Manufacturing Manager plays a key role in developing a high-performing team, improving manufacturing capability, and supporting strategic initiatives that enable sustainable business growth. The role champions continuous improvement and lean practices to enhance throughput and reduce operational waste. It ensures robust communication and alignment between production, engineering, planning, and quality teams. Furthermore, the Manufacturing Manager provides strong leadership that reinforces a culture of accountability, safety, and problem-solving across the manufacturing organisation.

Role & Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Leadership & Strategy
  Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure efficient, reliable production that meets customer demand and company targets. Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that enhance capability, capacity, and operational performance. Contribute to long-term business planning, providing insight on production capability, resource requirements, and operational risks.
• Operational Excellence & Efficiency
  Drive continuous improvement initiatives and Lean methodologies to increase throughput, reduce waste, and optimise flow. Ensure production processes are standardised, controlled, and continuously improved for quality, efficiency, and repeatability. Monitor and improve key operational metrics including OEE, throughput, machine uptime, labour efficiency, and scrap levels.
• People Leadership & Team Development
  Lead, motivate, and develop production teams to achieve high levels of performance, engagement, and accountability. Ensure effective communication cascades, clarity of expectations, and strong performance management. Build succession, strengthen skills capability, and promote a culture of ownership and problem-solving.
• Safety, Compliance & Quality
  Ensure all manufacturing activities are carried out safely and in full compliance with regulations, policies, and best practice. Maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring effective training, risk assessments, and corrective actions. Work closely with Quality and Engineering to ensure products are manufactured to specification and customer expectations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  Partner with Planning to deliver accurate and achievable production schedules and maintain stable workflow. Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, and Process teams to resolve issues, improve processes, and implement new technologies. Work with Supply Chain and Stores/Logistics to ensure materials, tooling, and resources are available to support continuous production.
• Performance Management & Reporting
  Track and report key manufacturing KPIs, analysing performance trends and implementing action plans to close gaps. Ensure accurate labour, downtime, and production reporting to support financial accuracy and operational decision-making. Drive accountability across the manufacturing area through structured routines, daily management processes, and problem-solving tools.
• Resource & Equipment Management
  Ensure equipment is properly maintained through TPM practices, supporting high uptime and long-term asset reliability. Identify Capex needs, support business cases, and lead successful implementation of equipment upgrades or new technologies. Ensure workforce planning, staffing levels, and shift patterns align with customer demand and business needs.

KPIs/Metrics

• Operational Excellence
  Manufacturing OTIF > 92%
  Throughput & Schedule Adherence ≥ 95% planned schedule adherence
  Scrap, Rework & Waste Levels Documented and updated quarterly
• Productivity & Efficiency
  Value Generated Per Person (VGPP) 5% YOY
  Labour Efficiency & Productivity 3% improvement year on year
• Continuous Improvement
  Cost Saving Projects 1% of Manf T/O
• Leadership / People
  Team leader training 40 hours of recorded training per quarter
  All Shopfloor 121 monthly training cards updated 100%