Manufacturing Site Leader – Lean, 3-Shift Excellence

Zebra Technologies; Preston; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + public holidays

Car allowance

Volunteer time off (up to 32 hours)

Reward & Recognition scheme

Pension with matched contribution up 7

Private medical cover

Online learning platform access

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Zebra Technologies is seeking a Manager Manufacturing for our Preston, UK site. You will lead the 3-shift operations, standardize practices, and champion Lean initiatives while building cross-functional bench strength. This hands-on leadership role emphasizes coaching, performance management, and cost control.

The role requires 5–8 years in manufacturing with at least 3 years in management, a relevant degree, and strong ERP/MES experience to drive continuous improvement across shifts.

Qualifications

• 5 to 8 years in manufacturing with at least 3 years in management or supervision.
• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or equivalent.
• Lean/Six Sigma expertise with a track record of operator-led continuous improvement and waste reduction.
• Strong financial acumen with experience controlling departmental budgets and variance analysis.
• Exceptional leadership with the ability to standardize processes across multiple shifts and cross-departmental relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations across a 3-shift system with standardized policies and practices.
• Guide Supervisors and Team Leads to focus on hands-on shop-floor leadership and visible coaching.
• Own performance reviews, development plans, and a structured, year-round KPI-driven evaluation process.
• Champion Lean, Quality, and EHS to drive continuous improvement and zero-incident culture.
• Take ownership of cost centre budgets, monitor cycle times, and report KPI metrics to senior management.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Planning to align initiatives and act as project leader on major programs.

Skills

Leadership

Lean/Six Sigma

Financial acumen

ERP/MES experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management/BBA/Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Manufacturing Execution System (MES)

Job description

Zebra Technologies is seeking a Manager Manufacturing for our Preston, UK site. You will lead the 3-shift operations, standardize practices, and champion Lean initiatives while building cross-functional bench strength. This hands-on leadership role emphasizes coaching, performance management, and cost control.

The role requires 5–8 years in manufacturing with at least 3 years in management, a relevant degree, and strong ERP/MES experience to drive continuous improvement across shifts.