Head of Manufacturing

We're looking for an experienced, people-focused Head of Manufacturing to lead our manufacturing operation and a production team of approximately 100 people. Operating within a fast-paced, high-variety, made-to-order environment, you'll be responsible for delivering customer demand while driving performance across safety, quality, productivity, efficiency and people development. This isn't a role to lead from behind a desk. We're looking for someone with a strong presence on the factory floor, working closely with our Shift Manager and Team Leaders to drive performance, tackle issues at source and build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. You'll focus on increasing output and efficiency, reducing reliance on overtime, tackling waste and scrap, improving workplace standards and developing a strong manufacturing leadership team.

What you'll be responsible for

• Drive daily and hour-by-hour production performance, ensuring resources are aligned to customer demand.
• Improve productivity, throughput and labour utilisation through better processes and working practices.
• Reduce overtime dependency through effective workforce planning and increased productivity.
• Identify and tackle the root causes of waste, scrap, quality and recurring operational issues.
• Lead continuous improvement activity including 5S, Kaizen and structured problem solving.
• Work collaboratively with Planning, Customer Service, Quality and Operations to improve overall performance and OTIF.
• Lead, coach and develop the Shift Manager and Team Leaders, creating a strong and accountable frontline leadership team.
• Set clear expectations and manage performance, attendance and conduct consistently and fairly.
• Take ownership of Production recruitment, training and workforce development.
• Champion excellent housekeeping, workplace organisation and safe working practices.

We're looking for someone who is equally comfortable driving the numbers and leading the people behind them. You'll ideally bring:

• At least five years' management experience within a high-variety, made-to-order manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading sizeable production teams through Shift Managers, Team Leaders or similar.
• A strong track record of improving output, productivity and operational efficiency.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to set high standards, hold people accountable and build engagement.
• Excellent organisation, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen and continuous improvement.
• The resilience and adaptability to operate effectively within a fast-moving manufacturing environment.

A Six Sigma qualification would be advantageous, although practical experience of delivering measurable continuous improvement is equally important.

Alongside a competitive salary and company car, you'll have access to a benefits package designed around your wellbeing, future and life outside of work:

• Health & Wellbeing - Medicash healthcare plan, 24/7 virtual GP, confidential wellbeing support and gym discounts.
• Family & Financial - Subsidised healthcare, Scottish Widows pension, life assurance and enhanced family-friendly benefits.
• Time & Recognition - 25 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays, Christmas shutdown and long-service recognition.
• Everyday Extras - Cycle to Work scheme, retail discounts, company social events and selected Wycombe Wanderers tickets.

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