Manufacturing Manager

LER (SG) Ltd; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A local precision machining company is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Manager to oversee production processes. The role involves leading a team, managing schedules, and implementing LEAN manufacturing techniques. Ideal candidates will have a background in the engineering industry, strong stakeholder management skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Competitive salary and benefits package offered.

Benefits

Competitive pay rates

Enhanced pension contributions

Quarterly staff bonus scheme

Company sick pay scheme

Employee referral scheme

Death in Service cover

Competitive holidays

Cycle to work scheme

On-site parking

Training and development (PHD funding)

Qualifications

• Proven track record in manufacturing management.
• Strong experience in engineering and operations.
• Ability to motivate and lead production teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage production processes for timely delivery.
• Streamline production and reduce waste.
• Implement LEAN manufacturing strategies.

Skills

Leadership skills

Stakeholder management

LEAN manufacturing

Decisive problem solver

Planning and organisation

IT literate

Education

Engineering qualification (HNC, HND or BEng)

Tools

MS packages

ERP packages

Job description

Manufacturing Manager

Location: Staplehurst / Kent (relocation assistance available)

Salary: Circa £55k - £65k

A local precision machining company now requires a Manufacturing Manager to join their team.

The company manufacturing processes are metal fabrication, Press Punches, CNC, Laser cutting, Sheet metal and welding to produce bespoke products. Their production process are semi-automated and manual.

Direct Reports

• Manage 30 production staff
• 4 production supervisors
• 1 workshop manager
• 4 maintenance engineers
• 1 export manager

Overview

Reporting to the Managing Director, the successful candidate will need to support and develop the production function in line with business objectives and be responsible for all areas of production. A member of the senior leadership team, this role also provides input into site-based decision making and strategic initiatives.

The successful candidate will be self‑motivated, structured, and adaptable in their approach as priorities can alter quickly. They will be an organised person with a commercial mindset and confident in managing production driven projects as a direct result of business growth.

About the role

• The production manager plans, co‑ordinates and controls the manufacturing processes so that the products are delivered on time, within budget, quality & safety standards. You will lead, manage and develop the production team, in addition to representing the company at a tactical and strategic management level.
• Plan and organise the overall performance of manufacturing operations & dispatch, including safety, quality, delivery and cost to meet the agreed targets. Review and adjust the schedule where needed in order to achieve on time delivery.
• Manages capacity planning to facilitate staff scheduling (overtime/shift patterns) and material requirements needed to meet production and financial objectives, highlighting bottlenecks and providing recovery plans where needed.
• Responsible for liaising with stakeholders to ensure that production targets and sales forecasts are achievable.
• Streamline production processes and planning manpower to ensure that utilisation of machinery and equipment runs consistently within agreed targets.
• Responsible for minimising wastage and scrap material, ensuring that all Standard Operating Procedures are adhered to at all times.
• Implement LEAN manufacturing, and other appropriate methods, to drive on-time delivery, shortened lead times, and improved quality.
• Ensure coaching and development of production employees to include training procedures for all operations/ personnel, including maintenance of the skills and capabilities matrix.
• Ensure that health and safety guidelines are followed at all times.
• Oversee new product introduction within the workshop, liaising with the design & sales team, where necessary.
• Aid sales in answering process specific questions and oversee the manufacturing engineers to install new machinery and/or processes to meet new customer demands.
• Member of the senior leadership team; setting the example, providing support and decision making to others.
• Ambassador for the Company to both internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Requirements

• Ideal candidate MUST come from the Engineering Industry as a Manufacturing Manager.
• Engineering qualification such as HNC, HND or BEng (Not essential).
• Successful track record of leading & motivating people in a manufacturing environment.
• Engineering, operations and process implementation experience.
• Strong internal and external stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, self‑starter who is consultative and adaptable.
• IT literate: confident user of all MS packages, ERP packages.
• Planning and organisation skills, must be experienced in running & monitoring production processes.
• Decisive problem solver.
• Capacity to grasp complex concepts easily.
• Attention to detail to ensure high levels of quality.
• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with your team, managers and clients.
• Ability to work under pressure and multi‑task.
• Leadership skills and ability to motivate others to meet deadlines.
• Results‑driven approach to work.
• Ability to work in a logical, systematic manner.
• LEAN manufacturing/LEAN Six Sigma experience.

Benefits

• Competitive pay rates
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Quarterly staff bonus scheme
• Company sick pay scheme
• Employee referral scheme
• Death in Service cover
• Competitive holidays
• Cycle to work scheme
• On‑site parking
• Training and development (PHD funding)