Central are proud to be partnering with a global specialist electrical manufacturer in a key growth phase.
This growth is fuelled by innovation and the steady stream of new, high value-added product launches this brings, plus acquisitions of companies that (typically) hold leading positions and have specialised technological expertise in growing markets.
About the role
A newly built electronic assembly plant has been recently established, and is planned to grow year upon year as the site matures with new product lines are added.
* We are seeking a results-driven Site Operations Leader to lead, optimize and grow the electronics manufacturing assembly operations - developing the operations to world class levels.
* This role will focus on driving continuous improvement & lean manufacturing principles, to achieve zero WIP (Work-in-Progress), zero errors, zero stoppages and ensure world class quality standards, with zero customer returns under warranty.
The ideal candidate
With a strong technical background in PCBA manufacturing, including SMT, THT, AOI and assembly processes both manual and automated the right candidate must have a demonstrated ability to lead teams and drive machine and process evolution, whilst continuously reducing the manufacturing cost per unit.
A central part of this role involves working in close partnership with the Group SBU to adopt and integrate leading electronics manufacturing practices and technologies. Your mission will be to help elevate the site to a benchmark 'Best in Class' facility.
To achieve this, you will lead the charge in identifying and deploying forward-thinking Industry 4.0 and digital transformation initiatives, eliminating process waste, driving improvements in production lead time, efficiency, process innovation, and overall operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
Production Oversight:
o Work closely with the senior Production Manager and cross-functional teams to plan, coordinate, and control all manufacturing operations across SMT, THT, and assembly lines.
o Ensure day-to-day operations run efficiently with minimal downtime, meeting production targets for output, quality, and delivery.
o Drive real-time decision-making on the shop floor to respond to bottlenecks, resource constraints, or quality concerns.
o Maintain zero WIP by coordinating with planning and scheduling to balance workloads, optimize takt time, and ensure smooth flow between workstations.
o Oversee shift handovers, line status updates, and execution of production schedules in collaboration with supervisors and line leaders.
o Ensure that all production activities comply with safety standards, operating procedures, and company policies.
Lean Manufacturing & Process Improvement:
o Champion and implement Lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Kanban.
o Identify and eliminate waste across all production processes to improve efficiency and reduce cost.
o Lead cross-functional teams in continuous improvement projects and root cause analysis.
Quality Assurance:
o Drive a culture of quality across all production lines, ensuring adherence to IPC standards and internal quality metrics.
o Collaborate with Quality Engineering and QA to resolve product and process non-conformances.
Technical Leadership:
o Provide expert-level, hands-on technical support across all PCBA assembly processes, including:
o Surface Mount Technology (SMT): Setup, programming, and optimization of pick-and-place machines, stencil printers, and reflow ovens.
o Through-Hole Technology (THT): Supervise and improve manual and automated insertion processes, as well as wave soldering.
o Soldering Processes: Ensure compliance with IPC standards for both manual and automated soldering; troubleshoot defects such as cold joints, bridging, or tombstoning.
o Automated Optical Inspection (AOI): Optimize inspection parameters to maximize defect detection without false rejects; interpret inspection data for continuous improvement.
o In-Circuit Test (ICT) and Functional Test: Collaborate with test engineering to reduce test time, increase coverage, and improve first-pass yield.
o Lead process diagnostics and root cause analysis for technical issues on the shop floor, guiding teams through problem-solving steps to minimize downtime and scrap.
o Drive machine capability enhancement by identifying opportunities for equipment upgrades, automation integration, and process standardization. Evaluate new technologies for feasibility and ROI before deployment.
o Champion a roadmap for technical evolution, ensuring the production environment is aligned with best-in-class manufacturing standards, including Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory concepts (e.g., machine connectivity, predictive maintenance, real-time analytics).
o Mentor and train engineering and technical staff to strengthen internal knowledge and capability in areas such as soldering best practices, equipment maintenance, and process optimization.
o Coordinate with equipment suppliers and automation partners to manage machine commissioning, upgrades, and troubleshooting, ensuring alignment with production goals and Lean objectives.
People Management:
o Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors, line leaders, and operators.
o Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, safety, and continuous learning.
Industry 4.0 & Digital Transformation
o Lead the strategic integration of Industry 4.0 technologies and digital tools across the manufacturing environment to drive smarter, more connected, and more agile operations.
o Champion the use of data-driven decision-making, real-time performance monitoring, and machine-to-machine communication to elevate production efficiency, traceability, and responsiveness.
o Identify and implement scalable solutions such as predictive maintenance, digital twins, automated data capture, and advanced analytics, ensuring alignment with organizational goals for innovation and operational excellence.
o Work collaboratively with IT, engineering, and cross-functional teams to embed digital capabilities into everyday manufacturing practices, enabling a culture of continuous improvement and technological advancement.
Financial Oversight:
o Take ownership of production-related financial performance by tracking and managing budgets, controlling operational costs, and ensuring alignment with fiscal targets. Assess and define both capital and operational resource needs, supporting investment decisions with sound financial justification.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting:
o Deliver clear, data-driven production insights through regular reporting of KPIs, metrics, and progress updates. Provide senior leadership with actionable analysis, identifying successes, bottlenecks, and areas requiring improvement to support continuous operational advancement.
Strategic Execution & Team Leadership:
o Drive the medium- to long-term success of the production function by building and leading a high-impact team focused on performance, development, and accountability. Partner with the COO to design and implement forward-looking operational strategies that directly contribute to the company’s long-term vision and growth objectives.
Qualifications, experience and desirable skills:
• Bachelor’s degree in Electronics, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a production leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of SMT, THT, and PCB assembly processes and equipment.
• Proven experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Zero WIP practices.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems and manufacturing KPIs.
• Ability to manage cross-functional teams and complex industrial projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Six Sigma certification or Lean Manufacturing certification.
• Experience in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume electronics manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0, automation, and digital manufacturing technologies.
This is a role for an operational attitude with a hands on approach, strong people & leadership skills and the ability to get "stuck in". In return the business offers fantastic opportunities for development and progression.