Manufacturing Manager

An innovative and well-established designer and manufacturer within the lighting industry who pride themselves in producing high quality products supplied to various industries.

Responsibilities

Role: Manufacturing Manager - Location: Dartford - Salary: £68,000 per annum plus great benefits - Ref: 4312M

Main duties:

• To oversee all aspects of production and factory operations, including maintenance, operational projects, housekeeping and production planning ensuring effective coordination between production, purchasing and the supply chain to deliver products on time and achieve targets.

• Oversee the full manufacturing process, ensuring production lines are loaded, WIP stock is accurate, and products are completed and dispatched to meet OTIF and quality targets.
• Manage and lead manufacturing staff, ensuring clear responsibilities, performance management, and completion of company processes such as appraisals.
• Plan and schedule production in line with capacity, materials, and customer lead times, ensuring a written and controlled production plan is always in place.
• Coordinate materials, workflow, and production priorities to maintain deadlines and meet customer demand.
• Monitor manufacturing performance against forecasts, schedules, and KPIs, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce costs, minimise downtime, and shorten lead times using lean manufacturing principles.
• Ensure compliance with quality, environmental, and health & safety standards, including ISO9001, ISO14001, and workplace safety requirements.
• Manage WIP accuracy, backlog reduction plans, and alignment between production capability and sales forecasts.
• Communicate effectively with the sales team and senior management, including monthly performance reporting and updates on production status or delays.
• Support business growth by integrating new products into manufacturing, tracking special projects, and ensuring factory capability, systems (e.g., Sage/Tarquin), and facilities meet operational needs.

Candidate's Profile

• Experience working as a Manufacturing Manager/ Operations Manager / Plant manager essential
• Have led a team with direct reporting line within a component manufacturing environment required
• Background ideally in the Automotive or Lighting industry
• Knowledge and familiar with ISO9001, manufacturing measurement systems, production controls
• Strong performance management approach using KPIs, efficiency metrics and OEE to drive results
• Capability to manage capacity planning, workflow and manufacturing supply chain coordination
• Strong leadership and team management capability with the ability to manage multiple production demands
• Professional, strategic and able to work under pressure