Manufacturing Manager

Thompson Aero; Craigavon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Health cash plan

Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension

Holiday Purchase Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Thompson Aero Seating is seeking a Manufacturing Manager to lead a cross-functional team within the Composites department. The role focuses on capacity planning, production scheduling to the Master Production Schedule, and driving lean improvements across operations.

You will ensure regulatory quality, health and safety compliance, manage MRP system usage, and lead continuous improvement projects. The position requires experience in regulated manufacturing and a strong track record in lean

Qualifications

• Requires third level qualification or equivalent.
• Experience in composites manufacturing or aerospace a plus.
• Strong skills in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional team to deliver on MPS requirements and schedules.
• Drive capacity planning within budgeted manning and cost levels.
• Implement lean principles to reduce operating costs and improve productivity.
• Ensure quality, health and safety requirements are met and improved.
• Participate in RCCA investigations and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Capacity Planning

Continuous Improvement

KPI Reporting

Cross Training

Team Leadership

Education

Third Level Qualification or Equivalent

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

• Earnings:

The Manufacturing Managerwill be responsible for the leadership & performance of a cross functional team of Manufacturing Technical Leads and Production Operatives within the Composites department.

Responsibilities

• Capacity planning within budgeted manning & cost levels
• Production planning to Master Production Schedule and programme requirements
• Liaising with key stakeholders within other value streams and support functions to ensure timely delivery of composite components in line with MPS requirements
• Optimising workflow and layout in conjunction with Engineering, Quality and Continuous Improvement
• Ensuring all Company and regulatory quality, health and safety requirements are maintained and improved
• Ensuring correct and timely usage of MRP system by all functions within the value stream
• Drive a daily culture of continuous improvement by utilising lean principles to deliver operational cost reductions within a lean manufacturing environment
• Participating in on-site customer events and audits
• Driving year on year manufacturing efficiencies to support business growth
• Prioritise and delegate tasks to ensure productivity, quality & improvement targets are met in accordance with set KPI's and reporting on Weekly Key Performance Indicators to Senior Management
• Holiday management and resource planning
• Administration and reporting as necessary
• Develop and maintain standardised manufacturing processes across composite lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, trimming, bonding and assembly operations
• Ensure compliance with all process specifications, work instructions and customer requirements relating to composite manufacturing
• Lead RCCA investigations into Quality, Process and Safety Issues and ensure effective implementation of corrective actions
• Develop & maintain visual management systems in line with visual factory principles
• Lead & participate in projects to success via SMART objectives
• Co-ordinate cross training to maximise versatility of employees
• Maintain a high standard of housekeeping in accordance with visual factory and 5S principles
• Ensure clear communication to employees at all times, allowing theteam to befully briefed regarding operational performance and ongoing improvement plans
• Perform other duties as directed by the Operations Manager

Reward

• 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years' service)
• Health cash plan
• Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• IVF & Assisted Conception Policy
• Women in Business - CorporateMember
• Service Awards
• Local charity /sponsorship activities
• Dedicated employee parking
• Discounted Gym membership
• Learning and development opportunities
• Management/Supervisory experience in a highly regulated Engineering/Manufacturing environment
• Proficient working knowledge ofMRP/ERP systems
• Proven track record in Lean Manufacturing anddriving continuous improvement
• Experience oftraining a team in a high paced Lean Production Environment
• Working knowledge of KPIs and Operational processes
• Experience of work-based data analysis and problem solving to enable focused and planned process improvements
• Third Level Qualification or Equivalent
• Experience within composites manufacturing, aerospace manufacturing or a similarly regulated environment
• Working knowledge of composite manufacturing processes including lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, trimming, bonding and assembly

We reserve theright to enhance criteria on shortlisting.

Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer.

The closing date for applications is the 4th October2026 at 17:00.