Senior Manufacturing Leader for Precision Instrumentation

Vero HR; Rochester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Working hours: 37.5 per week

Holiday entitlement: 33 days per year

Pension: 7.5%

Death in Service: Available

Permanent Health Insurance: Available

Job summary

Vero HR is supporting an established science and manufacturing SME in Rochester, UK, in its search for an experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead and transform manufacturing operations, including low-volume electronic assembly, box-build, and testing. Reporting to the MD, you will shape manufacturing strategy, drive Lean initiatives, oversee quality and supply chain, and develop high-performing teams across global and domestic logistics.

A hands-on, technically credible leader is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience within manufacturing, production or operations management in a technical manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrable experience within an electronic manufacturing environment.
• Experience purchasing electronic components and managing associated supplier relationships and supply chain activities.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning and supply chain management.
• Experience overseeing incoming goods inspection, quality control activities or similar component verification processes.
• Experience improving productivity, quality, efficiency and delivery performance through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capability.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations and strategy, ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant production of high-quality precision scientific instrumentation whilst supporting business growth and operational resilience.
• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing activities including production planning, capacity planning, resource allocation and operational performance management.
• Develop and monitor KPIs, dashboards and reporting frameworks to support data-driven decision making and continuous performance improvement.
• Drive operational excellence through Lean manufacturing initiatives, productivity improvements, waste reduction, cost optimisation and process enhancement programmes.
• Lead new product introduction (NPI), process scale-up activities and engineering-to-manufacturing transitions to support current and future product development.
• Manage manufacturing-related supply chain, inventory, logistics and supplier performance activities to ensure continuity of supply and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure domestic and international logistics activities comply with relevant import/export, customs and regulatory requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and external partners, ensuring cost-effective and reliable operational performance.
• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing manufacturing team through effective recruitment, workforce planning, coaching, training, succession planning and performance management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, quality, employee engagement and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Environmental, Quality and regulatory requirements, maintaining robust procedures, controls and safe systems of work.
• Lead risk management, business continuity planning and audit readiness activities across manufacturing and supply chain operations.
• Oversee manufacturing facilities, equipment, maintenance, calibration programmes and contractor management to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Drive manufacturing systems optimisation, automation, digitalisation and process improvement initiatives, ensuring effective use of ERP/MRP and operational reporting systems.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Scientific, Commercial and Senior Leadership teams to align manufacturing capability, product quality and customer delivery with business objectives.
• Manage the sourcing, purchasing and supply continuity of electronic components and related materials required to support manufacturing operations.
• Oversee incoming goods inspection and quality control activities for electronic and mechanical components, ensuring compliance with specifications and quality standards.
• Provide practical technical support, coaching and guidance to manufacturing personnel, helping develop capability and resolve day-to-day operational challenges.
• Identify training needs across the manufacturing team and implement development activities to improve skills, quality and productivity

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing operations

Electronic manufacturing

Data analysis

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

ERP/MRP

Quality systems

Job description

Vero HR is supporting an established science and manufacturing SME in Rochester, UK, in its search for an experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead and transform manufacturing operations, including low-volume electronic assembly, box-build, and testing. Reporting to the MD, you will shape manufacturing strategy, drive Lean initiatives, oversee quality and supply chain, and develop high-performing teams across global and domestic logistics.

A hands-on, technically credible leader is essential.