Manufacturing Manager

Safran S.A.; Haggate; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran S.A. Burnley is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead a key production area and deliver world-class performance across Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, People and Inventory.

You will guide production teams, manage resource planning and continuous improvement, while collaborating cross-functionally to meet customer requirements and drive lean initiatives in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Operations - Manager or similar leadership role.
• Experience working within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of MRP/MRPII processes and production planning principles.
• Demonstrable experience leading large teams and developing talent.
• Strong understanding of quality systems, process compliance and operational KPIs.
• Experience managing cross-functional stakeholders across Production, Quality, Engineering and Supply Chain.

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing processes

Problem solving

Cross-functional leadership

Lean manufacturing

SAP

Communication

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Manufacturing systems

Workforce management tools

Job description

Manufacturing Manager
Burnley
Full Time | Permanent

Safran – Here, we craft excellence together.

At Safran, excellence is a journey – and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.

Shape Performance. Lead People. Drive Manufacturing Excellence.

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead a key manufacturing area, ensuring the delivery of world-class operational performance across Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, People and Inventory (SQCDPI).

This is an exciting opportunity for a driven manufacturing leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about developing people, improving processes, and achieving operational excellence.

As Manufacturing Manager, you will be accountable for delivering customer requirements through effective leadership of production teams, resource planning, continuous improvement initiatives, and cross‑functional collaboration.

What You'll Be Doing

Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage manufacturing operations to achieve customer delivery targets.
• Ensure products are delivered on time and in full against production plans and MRP requirements.
• Drive performance across SQCDPI metrics.
• Lead daily QRQC reviews and operational routines.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory and quality standards.
• Develop and implement Business Continuity Plans to safeguard production output.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop manufacturing teams to maximise performance and engagement.
• Support succession planning and employee development initiatives.
• Manage employee performance, attendance and disciplinary processes where required.
• Foster strong relationships with employee representatives and unions.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement activities.
• Drive a "Right First Time" culture across all manufacturing operations.
• Lead root cause analysis and problem‑solving activities using methodologies such as 8D and 5 Why.
• Act as a site ambassador for 5S and visual management standards.

Resource & Business Management

• Ensure manufacturing capacity aligns with business demand.
• Manage budgets and resources in line with business objectives.
• Monitor productivity, utilisation, yield, scrap and inventory performance.
• Support capital investment planning and equipment improvement initiatives.
• Drive cost reduction and operational efficiency programmes.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience

• Proven experience in a Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Operations - Manager or similar leadership role.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain operations.
• Experience working within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of MRP/MRPII processes and production planning principles.
• Demonstrable experience leading large teams and developing talent.
• Strong understanding of quality systems, process compliance and operational KPIs.
• Experience managing cross‑functional stakeholders across Production, Quality, Engineering and Supply Chain.

Skills & Knowledge

• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to influence and drive change across multiple functions.
• Financial awareness with an understanding of industrial costs and forecasting.
• Experience using root cause analysis and continuous improvement tools.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast‑paced operational environment.

Systems & Tools

• SAP
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Manufacturing and Quality Management Systems
• Workforce management tools

Desirable

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent.
• Supply Chain or Operations Management qualification.
• Experience within aerospace, automotive, defence, rail or other highly regulated industries.

What Success Looks Like

• Safety performance
• Quality metrics and Right First Time delivery
• On-time delivery performance
• Productivity and manufacturing efficiency
• Yield and scrap reduction
• Inventory management
• Team engagement and capability development
• Continuous improvement outcomes

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to play a critical leadership role within a complex manufacturing environment where you will have genuine influence over operational performance, team development and future business growth.

If you are a results‑driven manufacturing leader with a passion for operational excellence and developing high‑performing teams, we would love to hear from you.