Overview
Surface Transforms are experts in the development and production of carbon-ceramic materials and the UK’s only manufacturer of carbon-ceramic brakes for automotive use.
Our mission is to “Innovate and develop a sustainable, world-leading, high-performance braking system to push performance boundaries to new levels. We invest in our people and processes to empower and enable profitable success.”
Our values define how we work:
* Leadership – Decisive, united together, acknowledging success
* Collaboration – Empowering and challenging our entire team
* Communication – Thorough, inclusive, agile, and considered decisions
* Ambition – Resilience through brave and bold thinking
* Excellence – Continuously improving our high standards
* Trust – Autonomy to deliver, knowing you are fully supported
We are looking for two, highly driven Manufacturing Managers, to lead production operations and ensure On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) delivery to our customers. You will be accountable for safe, efficient, and continuously improving production performance while driving operational excellence across multiple shifts.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring excellent communication, strong cross-functional collaboration, and a relentless focus on process discipline, KPIs, and results.
Key responsibilities
* Lead and manage daily production activities to achieve ≥98% OTIF as a non-negotiable standard.
* Own the 12-week production plan, ensuring capacity, labour, materials, tooling, and maintenance readiness.
* Drive adherence to schedules, freeze horizons, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
* Lead Tier 1 and Tier 2 daily operational meetings, escalating risks early to protect delivery commitments.
* Work cross-functionally with Procurement, Quality, Engineering, and Planning to remove constraints before they impact schedules.
* Deliver strong operational KPIs, including OEE, first-pass yield, scrap/rework reduction, and safety compliance.
* Lead structured problem-solving initiatives (8D/A3) and drive continuous improvement projects such as SMED, 5S, and visual management.
* Manage, coach, and develop 3 Shift Supervisors, enforcing uncompromising process discipline and performance standards.
* Ensure full compliance with HSE, regulatory requirements, and Quality Management Systems.
What you’ll be doing
* Delivering the production plan on time, in full, and to the right quality standards.
* Proactively identifying risks to OTIF and driving countermeasures immediately.
* Monitoring operational KPIs and implementing improvements where required.
* Leading shift readiness reviews to ensure materials, tooling, and approvals are in place before production starts.
* Collaborating with Planning, Procurement, and Logistics to secure supply and manage shortages before they impact schedules.
* Driving improvements in changeover time, scrap levels, and efficiency through lean manufacturing methods.
* Developing and maintaining a high-performance culture, coaching Shift Supervisors to achieve operational excellence.
* Escalating systemic issues quickly to senior leadership for resolution.
The skills, knowledge, and experience you’ll need
* Proven experience as a Manufacturing Manager or similar leadership role in a high-volume or high-mix production environment.
* 7+ years’ experience in manufacturing with demonstrable success delivering OTIF, OEE, and FPY improvements.
* Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement tools (5S, SMED, A3, problem-solving, visual management).
* Experience managing multi-shift operations and leading teams across different rotations.
* Hands-on understanding of scheduling, capacity planning, and ERP/MRP systems.
* Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001 / IATF 16949) and HSE standards.
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
You’ll have these personal attributes
* Relentless focus on achieving OTIF and operational performance targets.
* Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Decisive and proactive, escalating issues quickly when required.
* Natural leader who sets high standards and holds teams accountable.
* Collaborative and cross-functional approach, ensuring alignment across departments.
* Committed to continuous improvement and coaching others to succeed.
What we’ll give you in return
* Competitive salary
* 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
* Extra day annual leave for your birthday
* An autonomous working environment with clear accountability
* Opportunities for internal progression and career development
* Death-in-service benefit scheme
* Access to a confidential employee assistance programme
Shifts: Monday – Friday: 6am – 2pm, 2pm – 10pm
Salary: £60,000 inclusive of shift allowance
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