Technical Production Manager-1339

Thorlabs; Ely; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading optical technologies company in Ely is seeking a Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead strategy and implement innovative assembly techniques. Responsibilities include overseeing engineering teams, ensuring quality standards, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Candidates should possess a degree in engineering, production management experience in manufacturing, and strong critical thinking skills. The role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Free onsite parking

Free refreshments

Inhouse training opportunities

Entertainment area in canteen

Qualifications

• Previous production management experience, preferably in a similar scientific manufacturing industry.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and appreciate best practices in mechanical and electronic manufacturing assembly techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement strategy for manufacturing operations.
• Oversee manufacturing engineering team to identify production line stoppages.
• Motivate team and guide continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Lean principles understanding

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Degree level engineering background

Chartered Engineer preferred

Tools

Metrology tools

Job description

Overview

What is the job? Lead and implement strategy for floor level manufacturing operations of a complex electro-mechanical business unit. Challenge current technologies and manufacturing practices and lead implementation of new, innovative, and lean assembly techniques. Oversee manufacturing engineering team to identify root cause of recurring production line stoppages and balance technical and commercial priorities, with close attention to customer service, product quality and overall operational excellence. Use coaching and mentoring skills to cultivate a team-wide commitment to lean management principles, embedding a culture of continuous improvement and problem solving.

Working Hours: Mon to Thurs 09:00 to 17:30 with 1 day 10:30 to 19:00 to support 2nd shift; Fri 09:00 to 17:30

Interview process: 3 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 60 minute Teams interview

Second stage: OnSite 3 hour interview – Third stage: follow up / questions

What is essential to us…

• Degree level engineering background, with proven critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Chartered Engineer preferred
• Previous production management experience, preferably in a similar scientific manufacturing industry
• Understanding of Lean principles and their practical implementation (including but not limited to SMED, PFEP, EPEI, and pull)
• A sound understanding of improvement techniques such as Value Stream and Process mapping and Visual Management systems
• Ability to read engineering drawings and appreciate best practices in mechanical and electronic manufacturing assembly techniques
• Knowledge of metrology tools (e.g. calipers, DTIs, gauges, micrometers, etc.)
• Strong critical analysis and problem-solving skills and project management
• A good understanding of the photonics market, competitor products and customer needs
• Strong communication skills with the ability to train, mentor and present new ideas

Who we are? Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture of a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working? You will be working in our new purpose-built facility in Witchford, Ely. Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful medieval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

What we would like you to do/ to see…

Key Responsibilities – Leadership

• Ensure all team members are safe and are working in line with PPE requirements and safe systems of work
• Ensure teams participate in continuous improvement initiatives that address issues that impact throughput
• Motivate team members and perform regular appraisals or 1-to-1 meetings
• Responsible for the Health & Safety of your work area and your team members. Including, the review and upkeep of all risk assessments, identifying H&S training requirements, providing inductions to new team members. Dealing with PPE issues and H&S breaches, undertaking regular H&S inspections and accident reporting - this would include supporting and or leading accident investigations.
• Undertake the role of Fire Marshal for your work area and team members. Including regular checks for hazards and issues, completion of fire risk assessment actions, ensuring all people in your area are aware of evacuation procedures and drawing their attention to hazardous practices.

Key Responsibilities – Functional

• Conduct daily reviews of key Business Unit (BU) operational metrics in collaboration with the Supply Chain Manager to ensure global warehouse stock levels are maintained, quality standards are upheld, and products are shipped on time and in full
• Analyze daily production and quality performance indicators (cycle time deviations, lost time, RMAs, production rejects, and failed outgoing inspections) and guide front-line leaders in developing targeted action plans to drive continuous improvement
• Conduct at least two Value Stream transformation projects annually, working closely with relevant teams to achieve tangible results in production efficiency and performance
• Work closely with Planners to ensure route times are accurate and can be relied on to schedule load balanced end-to-end production flow that minimises stockouts and backorders
• Support the sales and technical support teams when customer issues arise and be the customer point of contact on behalf of the BU when required
• Collaborate closely with the design engineering group to build out the product portfolio and configure the BU to smoothly execute New Product Introduction (NPI)

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-1339

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail [e-mail].

We are Disability Confident Committed

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.