Manufacturing Manager

Surface Transforms Plc; Knowsley; On-site; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Knowsley is seeking a highly driven Manufacturing Manager to lead production operations and ensure on-time delivery. This role focuses on operational excellence and managing a team to achieve high performance in a dynamic production environment. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience and strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing techniques. The position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Extra day annual leave for birthday

Opportunities for career development

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Manufacturing Manager in a high-volume production environment.
• 7+ years of experience with successes in OTIF, OEE, and FPY improvements.
• Hands-on understanding of scheduling and capacity planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production activities to achieve ≥98% OTIF.
• Drive adherence to schedules and standard operating procedures.
• Manage and develop 3 shift supervisors.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Stakeholder Management

Analytical Skills

Tools

ERP/MRP Systems

Quality Management Systems

Job description

Who We Are

Surface Transforms are experts in the development and production of carbon‑ceramic materials and the UK’s only manufacturer of carbon‑ceramic brakes for automotive use. Our mission is to “Innovate and develop a sustainable, world‑leading, high‑performance braking system to push performance boundaries to new levels. We invest in our people and processes to empower and enable profitable success.”

Our values

• Leadership – Decisive, united together, acknowledging success
• Collaboration – Empowering and challenging our entire team
• Communication – Thorough, inclusive, agile, and considered decisions
• Ambition – Resilience through brave and bold thinking
• Excellence – Continuously improving our high standards
• Trust – Autonomy to deliver, knowing you are fully supported

We are looking for two highly driven Manufacturing Managers to lead production operations and ensure On‑Time‑In‑Full (OTIF) delivery to our customers. You will be accountable for safe, efficient, and continuously improving production performance while driving operational excellence across multiple shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily production activities to achieve ≥98% OTIF as a non‑negotiable standard.
• Own the 12‑week production plan, ensuring capacity, labour, materials, tooling, and maintenance readiness.
• Drive adherence to schedules, freeze horizons, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Lead Tier 1 and Tier 2 daily operational meetings, escalating risks early to protect delivery commitments.
• Work cross‑functionally with Procurement, Quality, Engineering, and Planning to remove constraints before they impact schedules.
• Deliver strong operational KPIs, including OEE, first‑pass yield, scrap/rework reduction, and safety compliance.
• Lead structured problem‑solving initiatives (8D/A3) and drive continuous improvement projects such as SMED, 5S, and visual management.
• Manage, coach, and develop 3 shift supervisors, enforcing uncompromising process discipline and performance standards.
• Ensure full compliance with HSE, regulatory requirements, and Quality Management Systems.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Deliver the production plan on time, in full, and to the right quality standards.
• Proactively identify risks to OTIF and drive countermeasures immediately.
• Monitor operational KPIs and implement improvements where required.
• Lead shift readiness reviews to ensure materials, tooling, and approvals are in place before production starts.
• Collaborate with Planning, Procurement, and Logistics to secure supply and manage shortages before they impact schedules.
• Drive improvements in changeover time, scrap levels, and efficiency through lean manufacturing methods.
• Develop and maintain a high‑performance culture, coaching shift supervisors to achieve operational excellence.
• Escalate systemic issues quickly to senior leadership for resolution.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• Proven experience as a Manufacturing Manager or similar leadership role in a high‑volume or high‑mix production environment.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing with demonstrable success delivering OTIF, OEE, and FPY improvements.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement tools (5S, SMED, A3, problem‑solving, visual management).
• Experience managing multi‑shift operations and leading teams across different rotations.
• Hands‑on understanding of scheduling, capacity planning, and ERP/MRP systems.
• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001 / IATF 16949) and HSE standards.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.

Personal Attributes

• Relentless focus on achieving OTIF and operational performance targets.
• Data‑driven mindset with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Decisive and proactive, escalating issues quickly when required.
• Natural leader who sets high standards and holds teams accountable.
• Collaborative and cross‑functional approach, ensuring alignment across departments.
• Committed to continuous improvement and coaching others to succeed.

What We’ll Give You in Return

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Extra day annual leave for your birthday
• An autonomous working environment with clear accountability
• Opportunities for internal progression and career development
• Death‑in‑service benefit scheme
• Access to a confidential employee assistance programme

Shifts

Monday – Friday: 6 am – 2 pm, 2 pm – 10 pm

Salary

£60,000 inclusive of shift allowance