Manufacturing Manager

Chemring Energetics UK Ltd; Stevenston; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Chemring Energetics UK Ltd is seeking a Manufacturing Manager to lead our manufacturing operations, ensuring safe, compliant and efficient production aligned with business objectives.

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will manage Production Managers and teams, drive continuous improvement, oversee budgets, capacity planning and S&OP, and champion a culture of safety, quality and performance across the site.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering or related discipline, or equivalent senior leadership experience.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary production teams in a regulated environment.
• Strong leadership and people development skills.
• Solid understanding of Health, Safety and Environmental requirements.
• Experience managing budgets, resources and operational performance.
• Experience leading projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations in compliance with health, safety and environmental legislation and company policies.
• Deliver performance across safety, quality, delivery, people, cost and productivity.
• Develop Production Managers and personnel, driving accountability and high performance.
• Manage budgets and cost centres to maximise efficiency and value.
• Ensure capacity planning and manufacturing capability to meet current and future commitments.
• Own commitments within the S&OP process and report performance and risks.
• Drive continuous improvement and organisational change to enhance productivity.

Skills

Leadership

Safety leadership

Budget management

Resource planning

Continuous improvement

People development

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Operations management

Education

Degree in engineering/manufacturing

Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams

Tools

ERP systems

Production data reporting

Job description

Chemring Energetics UK is a global business providing a range of equipment based on energetic materials for defence, civil defence and key commercial customers.

An exciting opportunity is available for a Manufacturing Manager to join our team.

Reporting to the Operations Director, the Manufacturing Manager will be responsible for leading manufacturing operations to deliver safe, compliant and effective production in line with business objectives. The role will have responsibility for Production Managers and assigned manufacturing personnel, ensuring customer commitments are achieved through effective resource management, capable processes, engaged people and continuous improvement.

We’re looking for an experienced manufacturing leader who can drive operational performance across safety, quality, delivery, people, cost and productivity. You’ll play a key role in managing budgets, developing manufacturing capability, strengthening succession planning and leading initiatives that improve performance, efficiency and operational resilience.

If you’re an experienced manufacturing leader with strong people management skills, sound judgement and a proactive approach to continuous improvement, this position offers the opportunity to make a real impact on our manufacturing operations and wider business performance.

Key Accountabilities & Duties:

• Lead manufacturing operations in compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental legislation, company policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Deliver operational performance across safety, quality, delivery, people, cost and productivity objectives.
• Lead, motivate and develop Production Managers and manufacturing personnel, promoting accountability and high standards of performance.
• Manage manufacturing budgets and cost centres to maximise operational efficiency and value.
• Ensure effective resource planning, capacity management and manufacturing capability to meet current and future production commitments.
• Own manufacturing commitments within the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process.
• Establish and monitor performance measures, providing timely and accurate reporting on operational performance, risks and commitments.
• Lead continuous improvement, operational improvement and organisational change initiatives to enhance productivity, efficiency and business performance.
• Manage employee welfare, engagement, performance and development, ensuring objectives and development plans support individual and business needs.
• Develop talent, succession plans and future manufacturing leaders to strengthen organisational resilience.
• Ensure effective communication across manufacturing operations, maintaining alignment on priorities, performance, safety, change and customer commitments.
• Promote the reporting of unsafe acts and conditions through the Near Miss system, supporting a proactive safety culture.
• Deputise for the Operations Director as required and support wider business objectives.

About you:

• You will demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, quality, environmental standards and regulatory compliance.
• A confident and proactive leader who can motivate teams, set clear expectations and drive accountability.
• Strong coaching and people development skills, with a focus on building capability and developing future leaders.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• A proactive approach to identifying risks, resolving problems and driving improvements.
• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to manage budgets, resources and operational priorities effectively.
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• A systems and process-oriented approach, with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to manage change, challenge constructively and maintain focus on business objectives.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Degree in engineering, manufacturing or a related discipline, or equivalent senior manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary production or manufacturing teams.
• Strong leadership, coaching and people development skills.
• Good understanding of Health, Safety and Environmental requirements within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing budgets, resources and operational performance.
• Experience leading projects, continuous improvement and organisational change initiatives.
• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using ERP systems, production data and reporting to support operational decision-making.
• NEBOSH Certificate or equivalent Health & Safety qualification would be desirable.