Manufacturing Operations Manager - Gentex Europe
Location: Haydock, UK with 25% travel to Letchworth
Gentex Europe, part of the global Gentex Corporation, seeks an accomplished Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead our UK manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence across our Haydock and Letchworth facilities. This is a high‑profile leadership role focused on shaping the future of our manufacturing capability, leading a multi‑skilled team, and delivering safe, efficient, and high‑quality production to support our aerospace, defence, and industrial customer base.
This role goes beyond day‑to‑day operations — it’s about driving transformation, continuous improvement, and building a high‑performing manufacturing culture. You will set strategic direction, optimise production capabilities, and ensure operations consistently deliver on quality, cost, and delivery expectations.
Key Accountabilities
* Lead manufacturing operations across the UK, aligning performance with Gentex Europe’s business objectives.
* Build and embed a Lean culture, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence through structured transformation initiatives.
* Deliver against operational KPIs for safety, quality, on‑time delivery, cost, and productivity.
* Oversee financial performance, optimizing labour, material, and overhead costs to maximise operational efficiency.
* Drive collaboration across functions, partnering with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Customer Service to meet customer expectations.
* Lead site resource planning, production scheduling, and capacity modelling to support strategic growth.
* Manage CAPEX planning and implementation for new production lines and automation investments.
* Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, AS9100D, health & safety, environmental, and export control regulations.
* Champion talent development by leading, coaching, and building capability within production teams, supervisors, and support functions.
What You’ll Bring
The ideal candidate is a strategic operations leader with a proven track record of transforming manufacturing performance in complex, fast‑paced environments. You should thrive on solving challenges, driving innovation, and empowering teams to deliver their best.
* Degree‑level education or equivalent in engineering, operations, or related discipline.
* 8+ years’ progressive leadership experience within manufacturing operations, preferably in aerospace, defence, or other high‑specification sectors.
* Demonstrated success in leading high‑performing teams, improving productivity, and embedding operational excellence.
* Strong background in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement principles (certification desirable).
* Proven experience introducing new production lines and technologies from concept to implementation, including capex planning and workforce upskilling.
* In‑depth knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100D, and quality compliance frameworks.
* Proficiency in SAP S/4HANA (or similar ERP systems) and confident with operational analytics and reporting tools.
* Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to partner across all levels of the organisation.
Leadership & Team
You’ll have full line management responsibility for Production Managers, Supervisors, and a wider manufacturing workforce. You’ll set the tone for a high‑performance culture built on trust, accountability, and continuous development.
Why Gentex?
At Gentex Europe, you’ll be part of a dynamic, ambitious organisation backed by a global leader in mission‑critical innovation. We combine global expertise with the agility of a local business, offering autonomy to make an impact while benefiting from world‑class resources and investment.
We offer:
* Significant influence over manufacturing strategy and transformation
* Opportunities for leadership development and career progression
* Exposure to cutting‑edge manufacturing technologies and automation initiatives
* A collaborative culture where performance and innovation are recognised
At Gentex, we celebrate difference and support our employees, products, and community.
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