About the Role
As a vital member of the Senior Management Team, the Manufacturing Manager will take full ownership of the manufacturing operations, overseeing people, processes, and machinery to deliver quality components on time. You will lead the production of tooling for UPVC and aluminium windows, OEM machinery, subcontract projects, and other specialist products, ensuring efficiency, innovation, and high standards throughout.
What You’ll Do
* Lead and manage a range of manufacturing equipment including 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC mills, CNC turning machines, wire EDM, and manual machines to produce precision components.
* Plan and schedule work to maximise machine utilisation and ensure delivery deadlines are consistently met.
* Manage projects of varying scale and complexity, providing clear progress updates and proactively resolving any issues.
* Analyse production data—cycle times, downtime, waste—and identify opportunities to improve processes and reduce lead times.
* Develop and maintain accurate production routes for capacity planning and cost analysis, using process simulation tools to optimise workflows.
* Source and evaluate tooling and work-holding suppliers, testing innovations to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
* Collaborate closely with the Design team to ensure manufacturability of new and revised products, providing timely feedback to improve processes.
* Oversee tooling management, ensuring availability and maintenance of all fixtures, tooling, and equipment.
* Work with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and reliable delivery of materials and equipment.
* Ensure rigorous quality control with first-off inspections, batch checks, and managing inspection equipment.
* Lead root cause analysis and resolution of non-conformance reports (NCRs).
* Use the company’s MRP system (Factory Master) to monitor orders, inventory, and schedule production accordingly.
* Support quotation and job costing activities, providing material and manufacturing insights.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all manufacturing operations, including budget and capital expenditure planning for new equipment.
* Manage machine maintenance programmes and subcontract repairs to minimise downtime and extend equipment life.
* Lead the management and strategic consolidation of manufacturing software systems, aligning with design tools (Solid Edge) and progressing towards a full 3D design environment.
* Champion compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 standards, ensuring high health & safety standards and PPE use across the manufacturing floor.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the business.
* Take ownership of internal and external audits, swiftly addressing any non-conformances.
* Implement Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles across manufacturing.
* Ensure all manufacturing areas are clean, safe, and organised at all times.
* Lead, coach, and develop the manufacturing team, managing task allocation, cross-training, performance reviews, absence management, and team morale.
* Undertake the roles of First Aider and Fire Warden (training provided).
* Take on any additional duties as required to support business objectives.
What We’re Looking For
Technical Expertise:
* Deep understanding of CNC machining (milling, turning, EDM) and manufacturing principles.
* Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings effectively.
* Experience programming CNC machines is a plus, or the ability to manage teams who do.
* Skilled in using and managing manufacturing software, with a view to strategic system consolidation.
Leadership & People Skills:
* Proven track record of leading and motivating teams to achieve high productivity and quality standards.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to build strong relationships across all levels.
* Confident decision-maker with a solution-focused, hands-on approach.
* Experience managing performance, training, and workforce development.
Business & Operational Acumen:
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret production data and drive improvements.
* Commercially aware with experience managing budgets, projects, and supplier relationships.
* Committed to continuous improvement and innovation.
Personal Attributes:
* Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver on deadlines.
* Resilient, adaptable, and accountable with a positive ‘can-do’ attitude.
* Willingness to travel within the UK and abroad as required.
Experience & Qualifications
* Minimum 10 years’ experience in manufacturing within an engineering environment.
* At least 5 years in a hands-on manufacturing management or leadership role.
* Proven experience with modern machining techniques and tooling innovations.
* Track record of successful continuous improvement implementation.
* Forklift and First Aid certifications advantageous.
* Relevant professional or vocational qualifications are a plus.
If you’re a forward-thinking manufacturing leader ready to make a real impact in a well-established engineering business, this is your chance to lead a talented team and shape the future of manufacturing excellence.
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