Manufacturing Manager

JR United Kingdom; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in intelligent swimming pool control systems seeks a Manufacturing Manager to innovate and streamline their international supply chain. This role involves managing supplier relationships, ensuring quality and cost-efficiency, and contributing strategically to company growth. The position offers a competitive salary, flexible working options, and unique career development opportunities within an ambitious startup.

Benefits

Flexible, hybrid working

Pension scheme with company contributions

Annual performance bonus

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in manufacturing or supply chain management.
• Proven track record with international supply chains.
• Hands-on, proactive approach to management.

Responsibilities

• Source and manage international manufacturers and suppliers.
• Build a supply chain strategy balancing cost, quality, and lead times.
• Lead contract negotiations and embed value engineering.

Skills

Cost structures

Sourcing strategy

Production scaling

Value engineering

Negotiation skills

Communication

Risk identification

Detail orientation

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

? Flexible, hybrid working

? Domestic & international travel

Shape how we scale—smart, efficient, and global.

At NAIAD, we’re building intelligent swimming pool control systems that make maintenance easier, smarter, and more sustainable. As we scale up, we’re looking for a Manufacturing Manager to lead the charge in building a world-class, international supply chain that delivers quality at speed.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for identifying and managing global manufacturing and supply partners—from component sourcing to final assembly. You’ll ensure our supply chain is cost-effective, resilient, and ready for growth, with value engineering integrated at every stage. This is a strategic, hands-on role with real influence over how we scale and who we scale with.

What you’ll do

• Source and manage international manufacturers and suppliers, ensuring global coverage and resilience
• Build a supply chain strategy that balances cost, quality, lead times, and scalability
• Lead contract negotiations, establishing strong partnerships with clear performance metrics
• Embed value engineering and cost-optimisation into product development and manufacturing processes
• Collaborate with design and engineering teams on design-for-manufacture and BOM optimisation
• Monitor supplier performance and manage production readiness and quality control
• Oversee logistics, lead times, and compliance across different launch markets
• Travel as needed to audit factories, onboard new partners, and support smooth ramp-up

What you’ll bring

• 5+ years’ experience in manufacturing or supply chain management, ideally in consumer electronics or electro-mechanical products
• A proven track record of managing international supply chains and manufacturing partners
• Deep knowledge of cost structures, sourcing strategy, and production scaling
• Experience with value engineering and supplier selection across multiple regions
• A hands-on, proactive approach—you know how to roll up your sleeves and get things moving
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills across cultures and time zones
• A collaborative mindset and a sharp eye for risk, detail, and opportunity
• £60,000 – £80,000 salary (depending on experience)
• Flexible, hybrid working—the freedom to balance home and office
• Pension scheme with company contributions
• Annual performance bonus and career development opportunities
• A pivotal role in an ambitious, international-facing start-up
• Part of a smart, agile team building next-generation pool control systems

Sound like the right challenge? We’d love to hear from you.Please send a CV and cover letter to [emailprotected] with the reference ‘Manufacturing Manager’.