Manufacturing Manager

Nicholas Associates; Redditch; On-site; GBP 55,800 - 68,200; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead operations in a precision engineering environment near Redditch. You will drive EHS, quality, cost and delivery while guiding and developing engineering and manufacturing teams on the shop floor.

The role focuses on continuous improvement, problem solving, and achieving operational targets through structured management of KPIs and a strong safety culture. Commutable from Redditch and surrounding areas.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Manufacturing Manager in a manufacturing environment including precision engineering activities.
• Strong lean manufacturing knowledge and continuous improvement experience.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and developing engineering and operational talent.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver operational targets across EHS, Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD).
• Maintain a visible shop-floor presence and drive issue resolution.
• Lead daily operational routines and meetings addressing manufacturing and engineering challenges.
• Champion health, safety and environmental culture with compliant practices.
• Provide practical technical solutions to improve process efficiency and safety.
• Identify and address manufacturing constraints to boost productivity and reduce waste.
• Lead continuous improvement and structured problem‑solving across the value stream.
• Coach and develop Manufacturing Engineers and SMEs.
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration to meet KPIs and operational objectives.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence and employee engagement.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decisions

People development

Education

HNC/HND

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Title: Manufacturing Manager – Aerospace department

Pay: Up to £62,000 DOE

Hours: 07:30 to 16:30 Monday to Thursday and 07:30 to 12:30 on a Friday.

Location: Near Redditch

Industry: Manufacturing – precision engineering

Structure: leading a team of x6 Manufacturing Engineers, responsible for the Toolroom and its operators, while working closely with the Production Manager to rectify production issues.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Manufacturing Manager to lead manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement across our production environment. This is a key leadership role responsible for delivering operational excellence across Environment, Health and Safety (EHS), Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD) while supporting and developing engineering and manufacturing teams. The successful candidate will be a visible leader on the shop floor, championing operational performance, safety culture, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver operational targets across EHS, Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD), supporting the site's Operational Control Model.
• Maintain a visible shop‑floor presence through regular Walk the Floor activities, driving issue identification and resolution.
• Lead daily operational routines and meetings, taking ownership of manufacturing and engineering challenges.
• Champion a strong health, safety and environmental culture, ensuring compliance through JSOs, Risk Assessments and safe working practices.
• Provide practical technical solutions to improve operational performance, safety and process efficiency.
• Identify and address manufacturing constraints, driving improvements in productivity, flow and waste reduction.
• Lead continuous improvement and structured problem‑solving activities across the value stream.
• Support, coach and develop Manufacturing Engineers and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration, accountability and achievement of key performance indicators.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement and employee engagement.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience as a Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Operations Manager, or similar leadership role within a manufacturing environment that includes EDM Machining, Multi‑axis laser, Precision welding and/or press work.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and developing engineering and operational talent.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence, motivate and lead teams to deliver operational objectives.
• Data‑driven decision‑making capability and experience managing KPIs.
• Engineering or Manufacturing‑related qualification (HNC/HND, Degree, or equivalent) desirable.

Minimum Commuting

Commutable from Redditch, Alcester and surrounding areas.

EEO Statement

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we support candidates with disabilities and are happy to discuss flexible working options.