Manufacturing Manager

J3a Recruitment; Norwich; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Manufacturing Manager based in Norwich. This role requires strong leadership to oversee production teams and ensure efficient project execution in a complex engineering environment. Key responsibilities include managing production schedules, championing health and safety, and driving continuous improvement. The position offers a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and substantial benefits for the right candidate. The business promotes a culture of wellbeing and development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday allowance

Comprehensive pension scheme

Private medical scheme options

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience in a leadership role in manufacturing or production.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical manufacturing processes.
• Excellent planning, organisational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop mechanical and electrical production teams.
• Plan actions for labour, materials, and schedules to meet deadlines.
• Champion Health, Safety & Environmental compliance in the workshop.
• Drive continuous improvement and lean manufacturing practices.

Skills

Leadership experience in manufacturing or production

Knowledge of mechanical and electrical manufacturing processes

Planning and organisational skills

Communication and people leadership skills

Health & Safety practical approach

Solid IT skills

Education

HNC or equivalent in Engineering or Production

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

Manufacturing Manager

Location: Norwich, Norfolk

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000

Working Pattern: Office-based | No travel | Full-time (flexible arrangements considered)

This is a big‑ticket role in a business with a serious order book and long‑term stability. We're looking for an experienced Manufacturing Manager to take full ownership of the Production function within a technically demanding engineering environment.

You’ll be reporting directly into the Operations Director and will be accountable for the delivery of Chemical Dosing Systems, MCC panels, and Electrical LCP builds — on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards. This is a leadership‑heavy role with real autonomy and clear expectations.

No fluff. No micromanagement. Just delivery.

The Role

You’ll be responsible for leading and developing Mechanical and Electrical production teams while ensuring projects are executed efficiently and safely.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading, motivating, and performance‑managing multidisciplinary production teams
• Planning and managing labour, materials, and production schedules to meet project deadlines
• Driving a right‑first‑time culture across quality and build standards
• Championing Health, Safety & Environmental compliance across the workshop
• Implementing continuous improvement and lean manufacturing practices
• Acting as the central point of contact for production‑related stakeholder communication
• Proactively resolving issues before they hit cost, quality, or programme
• Developing departmental plans, KPIs, and structured training for your teams

This is a hands‑on leadership role. You’re expected to be visible, decisive, and commercially aware.

About You

You’re an experienced Manufacturing or Production Manager who knows how to run a tight ship in a customer‑focused engineering environment.

You’ll bring:

• At least 3 years’ leadership experience in manufacturing or production
• Strong working knowledge of mechanical and electrical manufacturing processes
• Excellent planning and organisational capability
• Clear, confident communication and people leadership skills
• A strong, practical approach to Health & Safety
• Solid IT skills and comfort working with production systems

Desirable but not essential:

• HNC (or equivalent) in Engineering or Production
• IOSH or NEBOSH certification
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems and supply chain coordination

If you don’t tick every box but know you can do the job, you should still apply.

What's on Offer

This is a stable, well‑backed organisation operating at a high professional standard, with an impressive multi‑billion‑pound order book and a pipeline that supports long‑term career progression.

In return, you’ll receive:

• Competitive salary with headroom for the right individual
• Generous holiday allowance, increasing with service, with the option to buy more
• Comprehensive pension scheme
• Private medical scheme options
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support
• Save As You Earn share scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Wide range of corporate discounts
• Paid annual membership to a relevant professional body
• Structured training, leadership development, and clear career paths
• Flexible and agile working arrangements where appropriate

You’ll be joining a business that takes wellbeing seriously, invests in training, and values people who deliver.

Additional Information

Applications are welcomed on a full‑time or flexible basis and reasonable adjustments will be discussed as part of the process. Candidates with disabilities who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

This role offers genuine responsibility, long‑term security, and the chance to leave your fingerprint on a growing manufacturing operation.