Core Manufacturing Manager

Advanced Materials Manufacturing | Cambridgeshire | Permanent | Predominantly site-based

THE OPPORTUNITY

We're partnering with a global leader in advanced materials manufacturing, supplying high-performance products into the aerospace and industrial markets, to appoint a Core Manufacturing Manager at one of its key UK manufacturing sites.

The role has opened up following an internal promotion, which says a lot about the career progression on offer here.

You'll take full ownership of one of the site's production areas, leading a team of Shift Team Leaders and Production Operatives. You'll be responsible for safety, people, output, quality, cost and stock.

The role would suit either of two profiles:

• A strong Shift Team Leader or Production Supervisor ready to step into a first management role

• An experienced Production Manager looking for a new challenge in a technically interesting, well-invested environment

You'll also work closely with R&D and the manufacturing innovation team to scale new products from laboratory to full production.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Safety & Compliance

• Make sure EHS legislation and site procedures are followed at all times, keeping the working environment safe

• Manage the HAZOP process for a high-hazard process area

• Assess and write high-risk permits to work, including confined space entry

Production & Performance

• Develop, budget and deliver the annual production plan for your area

• Manage a broad product range, delivered on time, to quality and within standard cost

• Look after a significant capital asset base, including coaters, presses, ovens and cutting equipment

• Lead the operational introduction of new products and processes

• Control stock and minimise WIP and finished goods inventory, working alongside Logistics

• Partner with Maintenance on breakdown response and a 12-month planned maintenance schedule

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and deliver cost-saving and CI projects that make a measurable difference

• Use Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, PFMEA and structured root cause analysis to improve methods, workflow, quality and cost

• Own 5S standards across the area

• Support capital expenditure decisions on improvements to process safety, environment, capability and capacity

Quality

• Drive right-first-time performance and first-pass quality against plan

• Lead quality investigations with a strong focus on root cause

• Manage non-conformances and engage internal and external stakeholders, including the customer warranty process

People Leadership

• Lead, motivate and develop a shift-based team of Shift Team Leaders and Production Operatives

• Own training, assessment and performance reviews to build a flexible, multi-skilled workforce

• Manage labour distribution, recruitment and headcount planning for your area

Business Engagement

• Report performance and current issues up the management structure

• Attend and contribute to monthly S&OP and weekly planning and scheduling meetings

• Work with Sales and Marketing on customer requests, and support R&D with experimental material runs and customer samples

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• A chemical background is essential, ideally a degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. Engineering or Materials Science graduates with strong chemical manufacturing experience will also be considered

• A background in chemical manufacturing, aerospace or automotive. Composites experience is not essential

• Proven experience as a Shift Team Leader, Production Supervisor or Production Manager

• Strong, hands-on leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a shop-floor team

• Good planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities at once

• Clear communication at all levels, from operatives to senior leadership

• A practical, timely approach to problem solving

• Advanced Excel skills and strong Microsoft Office capability

• Desirable: Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, PFMEA, structured root cause analysis and Minitab

WHAT'S ON OFFER

• A competitive basic salary

• Annual bonus of up to 10%, based on site-wide performance

• Defined contribution pension with employer matching up to 13%, giving up to 20% combined

• Life assurance and income protection

• Private medical at a 50% discount, with no underwriting, unlimited outpatient cover, physio and extensive cancer cover. Fully company-paid after 5 years' service

• Discounted employee share purchase plan

• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays

• Flexi-time scheme, with banked hours available as additional time off

• On-site occupational health, a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and eye care support

• Subsidised canteen, free on-site parking and EV charging

• A genuine career path within a global manufacturing business that promotes from within

For a confidential conversation, apply here or message me directly.