Are you an experienced hands-on Manufacturing or Production Manager with experience in the metal plating industry (powder coating, plating, anodising etc.) who has always wanted to take control and manage a small but successful manufacturing business – then this may be that rare chance! Overview The business we are working with is one of only a very small number of companies in the UK providing their manufacturing process. This long-standing business (c50 years) receives a majority of sales from a small number of very long-standing customers who sell this company’s manufacturing process as an add on to their own product sales. Most other sales are received from incoming enquiries. What They Are Looking For This very unique business, in its very successful and very niche market with minimal competition, requires a truly unique individual who can progress to taking over the day-to-day running of the business. It is envisaged that after suitable training and demonstration of necessary ability (minimum 1 year) that this Manufacturing/Production Manager will take over the day-to-day running of the business from the long-standing company owner who has run the business very successfully for some considerable years. Once the company owner is satisfied that their Manufacturing/Production Manager has the necessary ability to run the company, it is envisaged that a transition will take place with the intention that the company owner will take a step back from the business and the Manufacturing/Production Manager will step up in to a General Manager, Operations Director, Managing Director type role (exact title and status to be discussed at the appropriate time) and at this point will take over the day-to-day running of the business (likely timescale 2-5 years). At this point, the opportunity to earn some equity in the business would likely be open to discussion and in the future the current owner may be open to a management buyout of the entire business. The Role The first objective of the successful candidate will be to learn and master all aspects of the manufacturing process, to demonstrate to the manufacturing team (10-14 people) that there is nothing they will be asked to do that the manager can’t do at least as well as they can. Even when this manager has taken over responsibility for running the business, a large part of the working week will be spent working alongside the manufacturing team just as the company owner has always done. Duties * Communicating with the company’s existing and long-standing customers who provide a majority of the company’s turnover (2-3 customers providing 60-70% of sales) and responding and supporting generally incoming enquiries from other ad-hoc customers in relation to job quotes, quality control issues, completion timelines etc. Very occasional outgoing sales activity may be required. * Overseeing factory floor employees (10-14 people, mainly very long-serving individuals) and working with the company Foreman to achieve satisfactory manufacturing quality. * Ensuring the manufacturing line is fully operational and working at full capacity on a daily basis (this will require a comprehensive knowledge of the manufacturing process, equipment and tools used in order to overcome any issues). * Develop and implement production schedules, ensuring optimal use of resources and minimising downtime. * Lead, train and mentor production staff to enhance their skills and performance. * Liaising with the company Administrator regarding paperwork, financial information, including customer quotes and invoices, customer complaints, ordering of materials and any other matters as required. * General HR responsibility including hiring, training, reviewing and disciplining employees. * Organising and planning the maintenance of the manufacturing plant which will include liaising and contracting with various external specialists as required. Working Hours Core hours 08:00 - 17:00 Monday to Thursday, 08:00 - 16:30 Friday (42-hour week) but will be required to work such hours as are necessary to ensure the success of the business. Overtime is often required which is normally paid at time and a half. Experience To be considered candidates must have experience of working in the metal plating industry - powder coating, plating or anodising. Beyond this the company owner is unlikely to be impressed by a raft of academic qualifications, although these may well be of benefit to the business in the longer term. What will impress is a stable work history and experience of hands on management of a production/manufacturing team managing all aspects of the manufacturing process and managing a team of long-standing employees with strong personalities. Candidates must also be able to demonstrate a broad range of skills relevant to running a business including: * Proven experience in a manufacturing management role * Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control and lean manufacturing principles * Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams and drive performance improvements * Exceptional problem-solving abilities with a keen attention to detail * Good understanding of Health and Safety legislation, risk assessments etc. * A general understanding of company accounts, including profit and loss * Proven customer service/relationship building skills to support and convert incoming sales enquiries and to support and retain the long-standing customers of the company * Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact effectively at all levels of the organisation * A good standard of general education This role requires a truly unique candidate with strong leadership abilities, excellent problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous improvement within the manufacturing environment and one who is willing to spend a large part of each week working alongside the manufacturing team, learning and mastering every aspect of the manufacturing process and continually leading the team by example. If you have the required experience of working in the plating industry and have always wanted the opportunity to demonstrate your full capabilities to ultimately take control of all aspects of running a successful small business we encourage you to apply and to include details of what you believe are the skills, abilities and experience that make you perfect for this role