Manufacturing Manager

Job Description

Salary: £45,000–£60,000 + bonus + company benefits
Location: Leicester
Type: Permanent

Overview:
A fast-growing engineering manufacturer in Leicester is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead production, drive throughput, and optimise all factory operations. This role offers full autonomy, investment, and the opportunity to shape a high-performance culture across machining, fabrication and assembly.

Responsibilities:
• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations across multiple departments (fabrication, machining, assembly, stores)
• Manage and develop a team of supervisors, engineers, and skilled shopfloor staff
• Drive OEE improvements, reduce downtime, and implement lean manufacturing principles
• Oversee production planning, capacity scheduling and resource allocation
• Introduce and maintain KPIs covering quality, cost, output, and safety
• Work closely with engineering on NPI and product improvements
• Ensure all production meets agreed quality standards and customer lead times
• Oversee health & safety, risk assessments, training and compliance
• Implement continuous improvement strategies across the site
• Drive cultural improvement: accountability, engagement, performance, and communication
• Work with the senior leadership team on operational strategy and future investment plans
• Manage budgets, purchasing, supplier negotiations and operational costs

Requirements:
• Proven experience as a Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager or Operations Lead
• Strong background in engineering or manufacturing (machining, fabrication or assembly)
• Strong understanding of lean, 5S, Kaizen, OEE and continuous improvement
• Excellent organisational, planning and leadership skills
• Ability to analyse performance data and implement corrective actions
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and best practice quality systems
• Comfortable managing and developing teams in a fast-paced environment
• Strong commercial awareness and decision-making ability
• Confident communicator able to influence at all levels

Benefits:
• Competitive salary + annual performance bonus
• Private training and leadership development programmes
• Clear path to Operations Manager / Operations Director level
• Early finish Fridays
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Company pension + healthcare options
• Investment into new machinery and technology on-site
• Autonomy to build and shape a high-performing manufacturing division
• Stable, well-funded, growing business with long-term career security