Job Purpose
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
To lead and oversee all manufacturing operations related to defence vehicles, ensuring high standards of quality, safety, cost-efficiency, and timely delivery. The Manufacturing Director will align manufacturing strategy with overall business goals, supporting innovation, continuous improvement, and compliance with defence and regulatory requirements.
We are seeking a high-calibre Manufacturing Director to lead our production operations defence vehicle manufacturing. Delivering business objectives, driving operational excellence and supporting our UK defence capability.
This is a leadership position for a determined, results-driven individual with a proven track record of managing complex manufacturing operations at scale - ideally within a regulated, high integrity sector such as defence, aerospace, automotive or heavy engineering.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead end-to-end manufacturing operations for defence vehicle production, including assembly, fabrication, quality assurance, and logistics. Ensuring high performance against quality, cost, delivery and safety targets
* Develop and execute a long-term manufacturing strategy aligned with business and defence sector objectives.
* Champion a culture of Continuous Improvement using lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
* Manage budgets, forecasts, capital investment planning, and cost-control measures.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, defence clients, and key suppliers.
* Inspire, lead, mentor, and develop the manufacturing team to maintain a high-performance culture focussed on accountability, high standards and continuous development.
* Collaborate with R&D, design, and engineering teams on product industrialisation and new vehicle introductions.
* Maintain strict adherence to health and safety protocols and risk management practices.
* Implement digital manufacturing tools and Industry 4.0 technologies where applicable.
What Qualifications You Should Have
Required Qualifications & Experience
* Significant senior leadership experience in manufacturing or operations director role, ideally in the defence, automotive, or heavy equipment sectors.
* Demonstrable track record in successfully leading complex manufacturing operations and large teams.
* In-depth knowledge of defence manufacturing standards, quality systems, and regulatory compliance.
* Strong background in Continuous Improvement (CI), lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
* Experience with ERP and digital manufacturing systems.
* Demonstrated experience managing CAPEX projects and strategic planning.
Key Skills & Competencies
* Determined operator, results driven
* Strategic thinking and decision-making
* Strong leadership and team-building
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management
* High level of integrity and ethical standards
* Problem-solving and analytical ability CI certification preferred
* Resilience and adaptability in a high-security environment
What We Offer You
* A competitive salary, that also includes an annual incentive based on your performance in the role
* 25 days holiday and the option to buy a further 5 days
* Match contribution pension scheme
* Private Medical cover
* Salary sacrifice benefits such as cycle to work
* Electronic Vehicle Scheme
* Flexible working hours and location split between home and office
* An opportunity to join the company at a really exciting time of growth and an opportunity to develop this key role in support of that growth.
Watch this video: https://youtu.be/naXp_dt5PYM
CONTACT INFORMATION
uk.hr@rheinmetall.com #J-18808-Ljbffr