Job Description:

We are the internal recruitment partner for our client, an established, internationally focused science and manufacturing SME. We are supporting them in their search for an experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead and transform their manufacturing operations.

With a reputation built on scientific rigour, integrity and technical excellence, the business serves a global customer base and is entering an exciting phase of growth. This role offers a unique opportunity to overhaul and expand manufacturing capability, support increased sales volumes and play a pivotal role within the senior leadership team.

This is a highly influential position for a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives on driving operational excellence and developing high-performing teams.

About the role:

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will lead the development and execution of the company's manufacturing strategy, ensuring production capability, capacity, quality and delivery performance align with customer requirements and business objectives. You will have overall responsibility for Manufacturing, Production Planning, Supply Chain, Quality and Operational Improvement activities across the business.

Working closely with Scientific, Engineering and Commercial teams, you will support business growth, product innovation and operational excellence, ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant production of high-quality precision scientific instrumentation.

You will be responsible for the leadership and development of a manufacturing facility which includes low-volume electronic assembly, cable and wiring assembly, clean room operations, box-build assembly and product testing activities. Experience within electronic manufacturing is essential, as the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing electronic assembly operations, electronic component procurement and related supply chain activities that are fundamental to the business. Experience within science-led manufacturing environments and ISO-regulated environments would be highly advantageous.

The role will also involve oversight of incoming goods inspection and quality control processes for both electronic and mechanical components. An understanding of basic metrology and component inspection techniques would therefore be beneficial.

We are seeking a practical, hands-on manufacturing leader who can provide technical guidance to the team, support skills development and training initiatives, and step in to advise on manufacturing processes and best practice when required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead manufacturing operations and strategy, ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant production of high-quality precision scientific instrumentation whilst supporting business growth and operational resilience.
• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing activities including production planning, capacity planning, resource allocation and operational performance management.
• Develop and monitor KPIs, dashboards and reporting frameworks to support data-driven decision making and continuous performance improvement.
• Drive operational excellence through Lean manufacturing initiatives, productivity improvements, waste reduction, cost optimisation and process enhancement programmes.
• Lead new product introduction (NPI), process scale-up activities and engineering-to-manufacturing transitions to support current and future product development.
• Manage manufacturing-related supply chain, inventory, logistics and supplier performance activities to ensure continuity of supply and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure domestic and international logistics activities comply with relevant import/export, customs and regulatory requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and external partners, ensuring cost-effective and reliable operational performance.
• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing manufacturing team through effective recruitment, workforce planning, coaching, training, succession planning and performance management. 
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, quality, employee engagement and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Environmental, Quality and regulatory requirements, maintaining robust procedures, controls and safe systems of work.
• Lead risk management, business continuity planning and audit readiness activities across manufacturing and supply chain operations.
• Oversee manufacturing facilities, equipment, maintenance, calibration programmes and contractor management to ensure safe and efficient operations. 
• Drive manufacturing systems optimisation, automation, digitalisation and process improvement initiatives, ensuring effective use of ERP/MRP and operational reporting systems.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Scientific, Commercial and Senior Leadership teams to align manufacturing capability, product quality and customer delivery with business objectives.
• Manage the sourcing, purchasing and supply continuity of electronic components and related materials required to support manufacturing operations.
• Oversee incoming goods inspection and quality control activities for electronic and mechanical components, ensuring compliance with specifications and quality standards.
• Provide practical technical support, coaching and guidance to manufacturing personnel, helping develop capability and resolve day-to-day operational challenges.
• Identify training needs across the manufacturing team and implement development activities to improve skills, quality and productivity

 The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

We're looking for an experienced manufacturing leader who combines technical credibility with strong commercial awareness, exceptional leadership skills and a passion for operational excellence.

 Required experience:

• Proven leadership experience within manufacturing, production or operations management in a technical manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrable experience within an electronic manufacturing environment.
• Experience purchasing electronic components and managing associated supplier relationships and supply chain activities.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning and supply chain management.
• Experience overseeing incoming goods inspection, quality control activities or similar component verification processes.
• Experience improving productivity, quality, efficiency and delivery performance through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capability.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively across manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain and commercial functions.
• A practical, hands-on approach with the ability to provide technical guidance, coaching and development support to manufacturing teams.
• A naturally curious, proactive, resilient and accountable approach, with exceptional attention to detail and the confidence to make informed decisions and drive positive change.
• Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or a related discipline.
• Live within a commutable distance to the offices in Rochester.

Preferred experience:

• Box-build assembly.
• ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 environments.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• ERP/MRP systems.
• Experience supporting technical, scientific, medical or research-focused products and customers.
• Precision engineering, scientific instrumentation or regulated manufacturing environments.
• High-mix, low-volume manufacturing operations within an SME environment.
• Experience scaling manufacturing operations and supporting business growth.
• Understanding of basic metrology, measurement techniques and component inspection processes

 In return we are offering:

• Competitive salary: circa £50,000, depending on experience
• Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with a 30-minute unpaid break
• Holiday entitlement: 33 days per year, inclusive of bank and public holidays
• Pension: Employer contribution of 7.5%
• Death in Service: Available, subject to eligibility
• Permanent Health Insurance: Available, subject to eligibility

Interested? Then APPLY now for immediate consideration.