Manufacturing Lead

Manufacturing Lead – Aerospace & Defence

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Manufacturing Lead to join our aerospace and defence manufacturing operation in Consett.

Reporting to the Production Manager, you will lead and manage the U13 manufacturing area, ensuring we consistently meet and exceed customer expectations across Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and People (SQCDP).

This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, can make effective decisions under pressure and is passionate about developing people and driving continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Safety, Health & Environment

Promote a strong HS&E culture and ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and relevant standards, including ISO 14001, ISO 50001 and ISO 45001.

Proactively manage health, safety and environmental performance using 6S principles.

Work with the wider site team to reduce accidents, near misses and environmental hazards.

Support legislative audits and action plans, driving improvements in safety and environmental performance.

Quality

Lead and make decisions on quality and engineering issues affecting the shift, with training provided where required.

Promote a culture of right-first-time manufacturing, continuous improvement and zero defects.

Ensure quality standards and procedures are consistently followed.

Provide effective two‑way communication between the shop floor and wider business regarding internal and external quality concerns.

Lead issue resolution through SQCDP meetings, root‑cause analysis and robust problem‑solving methodologies.

Cost & Continuous Improvement

Support the achievement of financial, operational and commercial objectives.

Identify and implement cost‑reduction and efficiency improvements that increase profitability and customer value.

Drive Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen and continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.

Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste and optimise manufacturing performance.

Delivery & Operational Performance

Lead the shift to achieve customer delivery requirements and a target of 99% scheduled attainment (D1).

Monitor and improve production efficiency, output and labour performance.

Develop and maintain clear visual operational KPIs aligned to business objectives.

Use performance data to identify issues, implement corrective actions and drive sustained improvements.

Optimise production output through effective resource planning, efficiency improvements and performance management.

People Leadership & Development

Lead, motivate and develop the manufacturing team, creating a positive, inclusive and high‑performing working environment.

Support recruitment, onboarding, training and upskilling activities, including maintenance of the training matrix.

Manage employee matters including performance, absence, appraisals, holiday planning, discipline and grievances.

Build strong workplace relationships through effective communication and an appropriate leadership style.

Promote diversity, inclusion, wellbeing and positive cultural change.

Set clear expectations and ensure high standards of behaviour, performance and conduct are maintained.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a confident manufacturing leader with a strong operational background and the ability to inspire people while delivering demanding production targets.

• Proven leadership experience within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Extensive knowledge of production processes, ideally within aerospace, defence or automotive manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen and continuous improvement techniques.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical and decision‑making skills.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing and people‑development skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of an organisation.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of cost, productivity and operational performance.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in high‑pressure situations.
• Flexible approach to overtime, shift changes, manpower planning and urgent customer requirements.
• Strong teamwork, organisation and project‑management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Educated to, or willing to work towards, a Level 3/5 management qualification or equivalent.
• A proactive approach to health, safety, quality and environmental improvement.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key leadership role within a high‑performance aerospace and defence manufacturing environment.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Lead a critical manufacturing operation.
• Make a direct impact on Safety, Quality, Cost and Delivery performance.
• Develop and motivate a skilled manufacturing team.
• Drive Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work within a demanding, technically focused aerospace environment.
• Develop your own leadership and management capabilities.

The Person

You will be a visible, hands‑on and decisive leader who can balance the demands of customers, production, quality and people. You will have the confidence to challenge existing ways of working, the communication skills to bring people with you and the determination to deliver measurable improvements.

If you are an experienced manufacturing professional looking for your next leadership challenge within the aerospace and defence sector, we would like to hear from you.

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