Overview
Workshop Manager - North Aberdeen
To lead, manage and coordinate all day-to-day workshop activities to ensure production targets are met in full, on time, and to the highest standards of quality and safety. This is a hands-on role responsible for managing people, processes, and equipment on the shop floor to meet operational goals in alignment with the wider business strategy.
Responsibilities
* Lead daily operations of the connector assembly workshop, ensuring all builds are completed on time, to the correct specification, and in full compliance with customer requirements.
* Ensure production activities adhere to ISO 9001 quality standards and internal work instructions, with a strong focus on right-first-time assembly.
* Supervise connector-related tasks including crimping, soldering, termination, potting, and testing.
* Maintain accurate production documentation and support traceability requirements for all assemblies.
* Monitor workshop practices to ensure high product quality and minimal rework or non-conformances.
* Supervise, guide, and support a team of Cell Leaders, ensuring appropriate task allocation, skills utilisation, and output.
* Conduct daily briefings and regular one-to-ones to maintain engagement, address issues, and review performance.
* Support the training and development of the team through mentoring, competency skills assessments, and cross-training plans.
* Promote a strong culture of health and safety, ensuring all incidents or near misses are reported and actioned.
* Coordinate with Supply Chain to ensure all materials, components, and tools required for connector builds are available and of the correct quality.
* Monitor work-in-progress (WIP) levels and ensure smooth workflow to meet production targets.
* Identify and escalate material shortages, equipment faults, or process blockers in a timely manner.
* Support inventory control by ensuring accurate part usage, traceability, and stock return procedures are followed.
* Monitor workshop performance metrics such as output, yield, downtime, and on-time delivery (OTIF).
* Lead root cause analysis for any quality or delivery issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives on the shop floor using Lean tools (5S, visual management, waste reduction).
* Encourage team involvement in problem-solving and efficiency improvement projects.
* Act as the key link between the workshop and departments including Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sales.
* Attend daily and weekly production meetings to provide updates on workshop progress, risks, and resource needs.
* Ensure effective communication both upwards to the Operations Manager and downwards to the shop floor team.
* Support the successful introduction of new products and process changes by collaborating with relevant stakeholders and ensuring production readiness.
Requirements
Experience
* Proven experience in a supervisory or team leader role within a manufacturing or production workshop environment.
* Hands-on background in cable assembly, connectors, or precision assembly manufacturing preferred.
* Track record of managing daily production schedules, output targets, and quality standards on the shop floor.
* Experience coordinating cross-functional teams including quality, stores, planning, and engineering support.
* Demonstrated ability to lead and develop shop floor teams in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume production setting.
* Experience in implementing lean manufacturing practices and driving continuous improvement initiatives in a practical environment.
Knowledge
* Solid understanding of production workflows, material control, and shop floor scheduling.
* Good working knowledge of ISO 9001, and Health & Safety standards (ISO 45001 or similar).
* Familiar with lean tools and continuous improvement practices such as 5S, Kaizen, Root Cause Analysis, and visual management.
* Awareness of operational KPIs such as OTIF, yield, and downtime.
* Understanding of equipment maintenance principles and asset care within a manufacturing environment.
* Basic knowledge of ERP or MRP systems to support production planning and material availability.
Skills
* Strong team leadership and hands-on supervision skills in a workshop environment.
* Able to lead by example with a practical, proactive approach to problem-solving.
* Good communication skills, both verbal and written, for shop floor and interdepartmental collaboration.
* Competent in using Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word); familiarity with ERP systems is an advantage.
* Skilled in organising workloads, prioritising tasks, and managing changing production demands.
* Ability to coach and develop team members to build multi-skilled, high-performing teams.
* Focused on delivering quality, safety, and efficiency through structured processes and a culture of accountability.
* Comfortable working under pressure and capable of making quick, informed decisions on the shop floor.
Education
* Relevant technical qualification (e.g. NVQ, HNC/HND, or apprenticeship) in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
* Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or similar is advantageous but not essential.
* Industry-recognised certifications such as Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt), IOSH/NEBOSH, or 5S/Kaizen training are desirable.
Salary- £50-55K
Permanent and Full-time
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