Job description
Manufacturing Manager (Composites)
Location: Belfast Area
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 + Excellent Benefits
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
A leading high-technology engineering organisation is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead production operations within its advanced composite manufacturing division.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking company operating at the cutting edge of sustainable innovation, delivering complex, high-value assemblies in a fast-paced environment.
The Role
Reporting to the Production Director, the Manufacturing Manager will be responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team to deliver composite and metallic assemblies to the highest standards of cost, quality, and schedule.
This is a hands-on leadership role suited to an individual with proven experience in composite manufacturing, assembly operations, and continuous improvement. You will play a pivotal role in shaping production processes, embedding a strong safety culture, and driving operational excellence as the organisation continues its rapid growth journey.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, and manage the manufacturing team including direct and indirect labour ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
- Oversee the delivery of composite and metallic assemblies to meet customer and internal project timelines.
- Drive a strong Health & Safety culture, ensuring all work complies with company and regulatory standards.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, procurement, and operations teams to support seamless project delivery.
- Implement LEAN, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production efficiency and quality performance.
- Oversee workforce planning, resource management, and day-to-day production scheduling.
- Monitor departmental KPIs across cost, quality, delivery, and safety metrics, implementing improvement plans where required.
- Support industrialisation strategies for new product introductions, ensuring scalable and repeatable production processes.
- Champion training, development, and performance management of team leads and operational staff.
About You
- Degree-qualified (or equivalent experience) in Manufacturing, Engineering, or related discipline.
- Proven track record managing teams within a composite or advanced manufacturing environment.
- Strong leadership ability with experience managing large direct-labour teams (50-100+ personnel).
- Demonstrable experience delivering results in low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing.
- Skilled in LEAN principles, process optimisation, and production planning.
- Strong communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Highly organised, adaptable, and comfortable working under pressure in a fast-growing environment.
Desirable:
- Experience in composite assembly, lamination, or structural bonding.
- Knowledge of New Product Introduction (NPI) and industrialisation processes.
- Familiarity with MS Office and production management systems.
What's on Offer
- £55,000 - £60,000 salary, depending on experience.
- Private Medical Insurance and Health Cashback Plan.
- Pension scheme, Life Insurance, and Group Income Protection.
- Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.
- 22 days annual leave plus 13 public/bank holidays (increasing with service).
- Regular team and family social events.
- Inclusive, collaborative, and innovation-driven culture with strong focus on personal and professional growth.
For more information or to apply, please reach out to karlyellop@vanrath.com at VANRATH.
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