Manufacturing Manager
Job Title: Manufacturing Manager
Location: Sandbach
Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time
Department: Workshop
Reports To: Managing Director
About Somerford Equipment
With over fifty years of experience in the manufacture of road marking vehicles and equipment, Somerford is a globally recognised name, renowned for the quality, durability and reliability of our products. As an industry leader in the UK, we're known for delivering safer, more efficient, and innovative vehicle builds tailored to the precise needs of our clients.
Each vehicle is custom-designed and manufactured to meet exact specifications. From initial enquiry to final delivery, we work closely with our customers to refine every detail, offering impartial, expert advice to ensure the highest standards of safety, performance, and satisfaction.
Role Overview
We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Manager to lead from the front. This role is ideal for someone who is confident leading a team of skilled fabricators but is equally comfortable being actively involved on the workshop floor. You will oversee day-to-day production activities while supporting complex vehicle builds, resolving technical challenges, and ensuring all work meets our high quality standards. The successful candidate will ultimately become part of the senior leadership team, and will therefore be involved in business critical decisions.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead by example with a strong, hands-on presence within the workshop.
* Build and maintain positive working relationships, both internally and with key suppliers and customers.
* Actively support vehicle builds and manufacturing tasks where required.
* Interpret CAD drawings to ensure accurate fabrication and assembly.
* Plan and allocate work and resources effectively to meet production deadlines.
* Maintain high standards of quality and compliance in line with ISO 9001 standards.
* Promote and enforce a strong health and safety culture.
* Identify and resolve technical or production issues promptly.
* Coordinate effectively between Workshop, Stores, and Admin.
* Support the training and development of workshop staff.
* Manage individual and team performance.
* Act as premises keyholder following successful completion of probation period.
Skills and Experience
* Proven experience leading manufacturing or workshop fabrication teams.
* Strong hands-on background in fabrication, assembly, or vehicle body building.
* Ability to read and interpret CAD drawings.
* Practical problem-solver with strong technical understanding.
* Excellent communication and team leadership skills.
* Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple builds simultaneously.
* HGV Class 2 licence advantageous but not essential
What We Offer
* Monday to Friday working hours (8:30am – 5:00pm)
* Private medical insurance
* Annual bonus
* Company van
* On-site parking
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Perkbox employee discounts
* A supportive, team-focused working environment
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Company car
* Company events
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
* Private medical insurance
* Referral programme
Work Location: In person