Head of Manufacturing

Posted 13 April 2026
Salary £75000 - £85000 per annum
LocationBanbridge
Job type Permanent
Discipline Engineering & Manufacturing Executive
ReferenceKYHOM1304_1776088987

Job description

Head of Manufacturing

Banbridge
£75,000 - £85,000


An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a high-growth engineering manufacturer as Head of Manufacturing.

This is a senior leadership role offering the chance to shape manufacturing strategy, lead multi-site operations, and drive operational excellence within a fast-scaling business.

The Role
You will take full ownership of the manufacturing function across multiple sites, leading teams to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational involvement, requiring a strong presence across the shop floor and close engagement with production teams.

This is a high-impact role suited to someone from an engineering or manufacturing background who thrives in fast-paced, growth-focused environments and enjoys building high-performing teams.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy

  • Lead and develop multi-site manufacturing operations
  • Set clear direction and drive a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement
  • Build and mentor a strong leadership team including Production Managers and Supervisors

Operational Delivery

  • Oversee production planning, capacity, and resource management
  • Ensure projects are delivered on time, safely, and to the highest quality standards
  • Identify and resolve bottlenecks and operational challenges

Operational Excellence

  • Drive efficiency, productivity, and cost control across all sites
  • Implement and lead Lean / continuous improvement initiatives
  • Maintain high standards across health & safety, quality, and compliance

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with planning, quality, commercial, and engineering teams
  • Support alignment between manufacturing and wider business objectives
  • Engage with senior stakeholders to support business growth and delivery

Continuous Improvement & Growth

  • Lead initiatives to scale operations and improve performance
  • Drive innovation and implement smarter ways of working
  • Embed a culture of ongoing improvement and operational excellence

Requirements

  • Proven experience in a senior manufacturing or operations leadership role
  • Strong background within engineering or manufacturing environments
  • Experience leading multi-site operations and large teams
  • Demonstrated success in process improvement and operational efficiency
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop and influence teams
  • Experience working in fast-paced or high-growth environments

Desirable

  • Experience with Lean, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence frameworks
  • Experience supporting business growth or scaling operations

Key Skills

  • Strong leadership with a hands-on, "boots on the ground" approach
  • Excellent planning, organisational, and decision-making ability
  • Ability to manage complexity and drive results across multiple sites
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a focus on delivery

What's on Offer

  • £75,000 - £85,000 salary
  • Monday to Friday working pattern with early finish on Fridays
  • Opportunity to lead and shape multi-site manufacturing operations
  • High-growth business with strong long-term career potential
  • Key leadership role with real influence across the organisation

For further information on this job, apply via the link or contact karl.yellop@vanrath.com for a confidential chat today.

INDKY