Manufacturing Manager

Nicholas Associates Group Limited; Callow Hill; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates Group Limited is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Manager for the Aerospace department near Redditch. You will lead a team of manufacturing engineers and toolroom operators, driving operational excellence and continuous improvement on the shop floor.

The role focuses on delivering EHS, quality, cost and delivery targets, while developing talent and ensuring safe working practices. Strong leadership, communication and data-driven decision making are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Manufacturing Manager or similar leadership role.
• Experience in EDM Machining, multi-axis laser, precision welding or press work.
• Strong lean manufacturing and continuous improvement knowledge.
• Engineering or Manufacturing qualification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver operational targets across EHS, Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD).
• Maintain a visible shop-floor presence and drive issue resolution.
• Lead daily operational routines and meetings, taking ownership of challenges.
• Champion health, safety and environmental culture with safe working practices.
• Provide technical solutions to improve operational performance, safety and efficiency.
• Identify and address manufacturing constraints to improve productivity and waste reduction.
• Lead continuous improvement and structured problem-solving across the value stream.
• Support and develop Manufacturing Engineers and SMEs.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional teams

Data-driven decisions

Communication

Education

Engineering/Manufacturing qualification

Job description

Do you have a background working with any of the following processes: EDM Machining, Multi axis laser, welding or forming metals with hydraulics presses? Would you be competent leading an experienced team within a high precision environment? If so, please read on.

The basics

Job Title: Manufacturing Manager - Aerospace department
Pay: Up to £62,000 DOE
Hours: 07:30 to 16:30 Monday to Thursday and 07:30 to 12:30 on a Friday.
Location: Near Redditch
Industry: Manufacturing - precision engineering
Structure: leading a team of x6 Manufacturing Engineers, responsible for the Toolroom and its operators, whilst working closely with the Production Manager to rectify production issues.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Manufacturing Manager to lead manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement across our production environment. This is a key leadership role responsible for delivering operational excellence across Environment, Health & Safety (EHS), Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD) while supporting and developing engineering and manufacturing teams. The successful candidate will be a visible leader on the shop floor, championing operational performance, safety culture, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key responsibilities of the Manufacturing Manager role

• Deliver operational targets across EHS, Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD), supporting the site's Operational Control Model.
• Maintain a visible shop‑floor presence through regular Walk the Floor activities, driving issue identification and resolution.
• Lead daily operational routines and meetings, taking ownership of manufacturing and engineering challenges.
• Champion a strong health, safety and environmental culture, ensuring compliance through JSOs, Risk Assessments and safe working practices.
• Provide practical technical solutions to improve operational performance, safety and process efficiency.
• Identify and address manufacturing constraints, driving improvements in productivity, flow and waste reduction.
• Lead continuous improvement and structured problem‑solving activities across the value stream.
• Support, coach and develop Manufacturing Engineers and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
• Drive cross-functional collaboration, accountability and achievement of key performance indicators.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement and employee engagement.

The ideal candidate / Manufacturing Manager may have some of the following, however, please note these are only desirable and not essential as all applications will be looked at individually

• Proven experience in a Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Operations Manager, or similar leadership role within a manufacturing environment that consists of one of the following processes – EDM Machining, Multi axis laser, Precision welding and/or press work.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and developing engineering and operational talent.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence, motivate, and lead teams to deliver operational objectives.
• Data‑driven decision‑making capability and experience managing KPIs.
• Engineering or Manufacturing‑related qualification (HNC/HND, Degree, or equivalent) desirable.

Commutable from

Redditch, Alcester and surrounding areas.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community in line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, welcoming applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities and are happy to discuss flexible working options.