Head of Manufacturing

General Dynamics Missions System International; Northampton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 85,000

Job description

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Company Description

General Dynamics Mission Systems engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of more than 13,000 top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defence and scientific arenas. In the UK, we are leading the way in avionics and communication systems. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency.

General Dynamics in St Leonards-on-Sea currently provide avionic mission computing systems for a wide range of military fast jets, helicopters, and UAV's. Recent success has resulted in General Dynamics developing the next generation of Advanced High Performance, Safety Critical Mission Computer Systems to meet the needs of latest platforms in development by several aircraft manufacturers. These Mission Computing Systems provide the functionality that integrates aircraft systems, sensor systems and stores management systems with the information and control systems required by the aircrew to meet the demanding operational needs of these aircraft.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Manufacturing to join our organisation in St Leonards-on-Sea. This key leadership role will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our manufacturing operations, driving operational excellence, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance productivity and quality.

As Head of Manufacturing, you will:

1. Lead the manufacturing function at Hastings, with full responsibility for people, budgets, and operations
2. Represent the manufacturing department in GD Mission Systems International and UK Business Units
3. Develop and implement strategic manufacturing plans aligned with business unit goals
4. Manage and develop a multi-skilled team across all manufacturing functions
5. Drive a culture of Continuous Improvement and operational excellence
6. Oversee budget formation and execution for direct and indirect department spend
7. Foster strong business unit relationships to support overall business success

Qualifications

To be successful in the role you will have:

1. Proven track record of leadership and team management in a manufacturing environment, with a focus on staff development
2. Strategic thinking abilities to align department direction with business unit goals and objectives
3. Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation) with the ability to forge sound relationships at all levels
4. Strong decision-making capabilities, especially under pressure, with accountability for actions
5. Sound financial awareness and good judgement
6. Excellent understanding of PCB manufacturing and associated processes
7. Good working knowledge of ERP systems (especially Oracle) with production planning & scheduling, procurement & MRP, and stock management
8. Ability to manage competing demands and work well under pressure with a high degree of customer focus
9. Flexibility to recognise and respond to the developing needs of the role

Additional Information

This role has a salary of between £70,000 and £85,000 plus our flexible benefits package.

We pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose, offering impressive benefits:

1. A compressed nine-day fortnight and compressed hours - which means every other Friday off.
2. A personalized career development plan, alongside regular progress reviews - supporting and valuing your progression within the Company.
3. A flexible working environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded with flexible benefits

We believe in maintaining a diverse workplace - inclusive of beliefs, cultural background, job experiences, thoughts and ideas. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we welcome you to join our inclusive team!

Our success is fuelled by our colleagues and the wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills they bring to the Company - learn more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.

We are a Disability Confident Employer, as such we offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job.
Please email [e-mail] if you would like your application to be considered under the DC Scheme. For more information on the Disability confident scheme in General Dynamics click here.

All successful/appointed applicants must be able to obtain a level of UK Security clearance that is appropriate for the role and undertake suitable Right to work checks.