Manufacturing Manager

Harrison Scott Associates; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing packaging company in London is seeking a Manufacturing Manager to lead production operations and drive automation. This role focuses on operational excellence and teamwork across various departments. Ideal candidates have over 5 years of leadership experience in FMCG or packaging, expertise in lean manufacturing tools, and strong analytical skills. Join a company that values innovation and invests in its people.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in leadership roles in production and engineering.
• Experience with lean manufacturing tools.
• Strong analytical skills to drive performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead production and engineering teams.
• Drive automation and continuous improvement.
• Focus on KPIs to enhance performance.
• Own CAPEX plans and engineering strategy.
• Ensure health & safety compliance.
• Collaborate with HR on training and development.

Skills

Senior leadership experience in FMCG or packaging

Production and engineering background

Lean manufacturing tools knowledge (TPM, SMED, Six Sigma)

Data and performance analytics

Leadership and people development skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Job description

Are you a powerhouse in manufacturing and production with a passion for process improvement and leading high-performing teams? This could be your next big move!

We’re working with a fast-growing packaging company on the lookout for a meticulous Manufacturing Manager to join their Senior Leadership Team. This isn’t just a "keep the wheels turning" type of role — it’s about driving operational excellence, championing automation, and shaping the future of how things are made.

What’s the gig?

You’ll take charge of all things production, engineering, and factory operations. From boosting efficiency to reducing downtime, and everything in between, you’ll have a major say in how the business delivers its ambitious growth plans.

You’ll work hand-in-hand with commercial, quality, and supply chain teams to keep things running like clockwork — and you’ll have the freedom to really make an impact.

A snapshot of what you’ll be doing:

• Leading production and engineering teams from the front, building strong processes and even stronger people.
• Driving automation and continuous improvement across the factory floor.
• Keeping a laser focus on KPIs — OTIF, downtime, waste reduction, labour costs, you name it.
• Owning CAPEX plans and engineering strategy.
• Playing a key role in health & safety and compliance across the manufacturing site.
• Working closely with HR to shape training, recruitment, and development plans for your teams.

Who you’ll be working with:

You'll collaborate closely with teams across Technical, Sales, Planning, Finance, and Supply Chain — it’s all about pulling in the same direction.

What you’ll need to bring:

• Solid senior leadership experience in FMCG or packaging.
• Strong background in both production and engineering (5+ years in leadership roles).
• Hands-on experience with lean manufacturing tools (TPM, SMED, Six Sigma, etc.).
• A sharp mind for data and performance analytics — you know what works and how to fix what doesn’t.
• Natural leadership and people development skills.
• A cool head under pressure and the ability to juggle multiple priorities like a pro.

Why join?

This is your chance to get stuck into a growing business that values innovation, backs its people, and invests in its future. You’ll have the autonomy to make things better — and the support to make big things happen.

Sound like your kind of challenge?