Manufacturing Manager

Manufacturing Manager

• Reference: J92
• Job Type: Permanent
• Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire
• Skills: production management, manufacturing leadership, continuous improvement, H&S, operations
• Industry: Manufacturing and Production

We are partnering with this well established, growing manufacturer, as they continue to strengthen their operational leadership team. With a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement, they are now seeking a Manufacturing Manager to lead production, drive performance, and support the next phase of operational growth.

This is a key role within a busy manufacturing environment, perfect for someone who thrives on pace, ownership, and making a measurable difference to output, quality, and team culture.

What you'll be doing as Manufacturing Manager

• Leading day to day production to meet targets, quality standards and service levels
• Driving continuous improvement using Lean, Kaizen or Six Sigma principles
• Monitoring key KPIs (OEE, scrap rates, throughput) and using data to guide decisions
• Optimising production processes, workflows and resource planning
• Championing innovation, new technologies and modern manufacturing practices
• Leading initiatives to reduce waste, streamline processes and boost productivity
• Ensuring SOPs, machine settings and key documentation are up to date and effective
• Providing clear leadership to production, maintenance and the H&S Manager
• Developing a strong, accountable team culture with coaching and progression
• Ensuring the team is fully resourced, supporting recruitment and onboarding with HR
• Maintaining exceptional health & safety standards, training and compliance
• Acting as the key link between operations, H&S and senior leadership
• Managing operational costs, supporting budgeting and identifying savings
• Reporting regularly and supporting wider operational strategy
• Taking the lead in incident response, product recall or crisis management

What we're looking for

• Proven experience in a manufacturing leadership role, managing and developing high performing teams
• Strong background in continuous improvement, with practical experience using Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma or similar methodologies
• Hands on approach with solid understanding of production equipment, workflows and manufacturing processes
• Confident leader who can coach, empower and build a collaborative, accountable team culture
• Comfortable working in a fast paced environment where systems and processes are continually evolving
• Strong focus on safety, quality and operational discipline, with a commercial mindset
• Analytical, data driven and confident using KPIs, ERP systems and MS Office (especially Excel)
• Excellent communication skills, able to influence and build relationships across all levels

You'll fit the culture if you are

• Practical, proactive and steady under pressure
• Someone who leads by example and brings people along
• Keen on improving processes and creating a positive team environment
• Comfortable balancing hands on involvement with strategic oversight

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 08 00
Friday: 08 00

What's in it for you

• Positive culture
• Life assurance
• Health plan
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Enhanced family leave
• 28 days holiday + bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Company sick pay

If you're an experienced manufacturing leader who enjoys variety, pace, and the opportunity to shape and develop a team, we'd love to hear from you.