Head Of Manufacturing

Futures are working closely with an expanding manufacturing business that is searching for a Head of Manufacturing to lead their operational functions on a day-to-day basis in a hands-on and directly involved way. The successful Head of Manufacturing will be tasked with implementing new lean manufacturing principles to improve structure and procedures throughout operations, managing a cultural change programme throughout the company to improve staff engagement and retention, and liaising with the MD and COO to create an overall improved structure throughout production, engineering, quality, and maintenance. It is important that you have a background in furniture manufacturing and knowledge of assembly processes.

On offer with this role, as well as a generous package and supportive leadership team, is the opportunity to join a strong business looking to make real change. You'll be supported to make structural alterations to people, processes, and procedures with the backing of the leadership team. There is ample opportunity to grow within the business as it continues to expand, and you'll be at the forefront of the company's growth in the future. We need someone capable of stepping into an autonomous role within the next 3-5 years, who wants to be the driving force to take an already successful company into the next stage of their growth.

Head of Manufacturing - Role and Responsibilities

1. Manage all areas of manufacturing (production, quality, engineering, supply chain) to ensure products are manufactured well: to the correct specification and quality, within the applicable time frames, to satisfy customer demands.
2. Implementation of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement: we need a lean orientated business improver. Someone capable of increasing efficiencies, reducing waste, and adding to bottom line profits to create a better working manufacturing site. Evidencing positive change, from your activity around improvement, is essential.
3. People management: this Head of Manufacturing will have the ability to work with a team of 100+ across multiple sites to ensure KPIs are being hit and manufacturing is improving. Whilst you'll manage through your direct reports where appropriate, you'll need to be a visible and involved shop floor presence.
4. Culture change: there are areas in the business, coupled with people, that need working closely with to ensure change is pushed throughout and sustained long term. You need to motivate and inspire, where appropriate, and also be able to have tough and uncompromising conversations where needed.
5. Manufacturing excellence: customers are demanding and improving the quality of shipped products, without unduly increasing costs or lengthening timescales, will be one of your key priorities.
6. System, IT and process improvement: manufacturing systems, supporting IT and regularly followed processes are not being utilised to their full potential. One of your first tasks will be to get greater value from their existing tech.

Head of Manufacturing - Skills and Abilities

1. Educated to a Degree level or equivalent, preferably in an engineering discipline. Qualifications within lean manufacturing would be beneficial.
2. Experience working within a manufacturing environment at a senior level (Head of Production, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager or above) with the ability to push through change and command respect from an established workforce.
3. Previous work history at a company where furniture manufacturing is a significant part of the manufacturing process.
4. Experience of working with large teams within a manufacturing business. You'll have direct reports to manage through but also get involved outside of those chains of command. You'll also deal with KPIs, recruitment, disciplinaries, etc. as appropriate.
5. Showing evidence of implementing new ideas into a manufacturing business to increase efficiencies, reduce waste or increase profit is essential.

If you feel you're the right person to step into this role and make the required changes to grow the company, then please do apply for the position. This is a very attractive opportunity and the right Head of Manufacturing is out there.