Manufacturing Manager - Composites

VANRATH; Belfast; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering organization in Belfast is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead a large team in high-performance composite manufacturing. You will develop manufacturing strategies, drive operational excellence, and ensure quality targets are met. Ideal candidates will have a relevant engineering degree and experience in composite production. The role offers competitive salary and benefits, including private medical insurance and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Private medical insurance and health cashback plan

Group income protection and life assurance

Company pension scheme

Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

22 days annual leave plus 13 public/bank holidays

Qualifications

• Proven track record in composite manufacturing or low-volume, high-complexity production.
• Strong leadership experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Experience in implementing Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of up to 100 production staff.
• Manage resource planning and performance management.
• Ensure cost, quality, and delivery targets are met.

Skills

Production

Manufacturing

Manager

Composites

Lean

5S

Education

Degree in relevant engineering or manufacturing discipline

Job description

Overview

Manufacturing Manager - Composites
Location: Belfast
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000+ (depending on experience)

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Manufacturing Manager to take on a senior leadership role within a pioneering engineering organisation at the forefront of high-performance composite manufacturing and advanced propulsion systems.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you will drive operational excellence, quality, and safety across complex manufacturing operations, supporting the delivery of cutting-edge engineering projects that are shaping the future of sustainable transport and innovation.

The Role

Reporting to the Production Director, the Manufacturing Manager will lead a large, multi-functional team in delivering high-quality composite and metallic assemblies to strict cost, schedule, and quality targets.

You will play a key role in developing manufacturing strategies, supporting new production introductions, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of up to 100 production staff, overseeing all day-to-day operations within the manufacturing function.
• Manage resource planning, work scheduling, and performance management of operational leads and team leaders.
• Build and maintain a strong health, safety, and environmental culture across the production environment.
• Ensure cost, quality, and delivery targets are consistently achieved.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and operations teams to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Drive Lean and 5S manufacturing practices to optimise efficiency and minimise waste.
• Lead continuous improvement projects to enhance production capability, quality, and throughput.
• Support the recruitment, training, and development of direct labour teams.
• Contribute to long-term manufacturing strategy and industrialisation initiatives.

About You

• Degree-qualified (or equivalent experience) in a relevant engineering or manufacturing discipline.
• Proven track record in composite manufacturing, assembly, or low-volume, high-complexity production environments.
• Strong leadership and people management experience within a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Experienced in implementing Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to drive transformation and process optimisation.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work under pressure while maintaining focus on quality and performance targets.
• Experience in new product introduction (NPI) and scaling manufacturing operations is highly desirable.

What this offers

• Highly competitive salary (£55,000 - £60,000+, depending on experience)
• Private medical insurance and health cashback plan
• Group income protection and life assurance (3× salary)
• Company pension scheme
• Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
• Annual travel card loan support
• 22 days annual leave plus 13 public/bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Regular social and wellbeing events for staff and families
• Genuine career progression within a fast-growing, high-technology environment

This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated and experienced Manufacturing Manager to take a leading role in a company driving forward innovation in composite technology and sustainable engineering.

If this role could be of interest or you would like to have a chat about any other roles available, click apply or reach out to for a confidential discussion.

INDKY

Skills

Skills:
PRODUCTION, MANUFACTURING, MANAGER, COMPOSITES, LEAN, 5S

Benefits

Benefits: Benefits Package