Manufacturing Manager

Manufacturing Manager Location: Ashford, Kent Salary: £40,000-£45,000 +KPI Bonus Contract: Permanent Diamond Search Recruitment are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Manufacturing Manager to lead our manufacturing operations and play a key role in driving operational excellence across the business. This is a leadership position with responsibility for the safe, efficient and cost-effective delivery of high-quality products, while developing a high-performing team and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. You will take ownership of production performance, operational efficiency, quality, health & safety, people development and manufacturing costs, working closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality and Supply Chain to deliver business and customer requirements. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and has a genuine passion for improving people, processes and performance. Responsibilities: * Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations to consistently achieve production, quality and delivery targets. * Develop and implement effective production plans, ensuring the optimum use of labour, equipment and other resources. * Monitor operational KPIs and identify and implement corrective actions where required. * Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency and equipment utilisation. * Ensure manufacturing processes consistently meet quality standards and customer requirements. * Manage manufacturing budgets and proactively identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve profitability. * Ensure production plans are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with agreed customer requirements. Requirements: * A degree or equivalent qualification in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management or a related discipline. * Significant experience in a manufacturing management or senior production leadership role. * Proven experience leading, developing and motivating operational teams. * Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies. * Experience managing budgets, KPIs and operational performance. * Experience working with ERP/MRP systems. * Experience within an ISO-certified manufacturing environment. * Lean Six Sigma qualifications or equivalent continuous improvement experience. * Experience delivering significant productivity, cost or waste reduction initiatives. If you're an experienced manufacturing leader looking for an opportunity to take ownership of operational performance, develop people and drive continuous improvement, we'd be keen to hear from you. Apply today! Diamond Search Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency regarding this vacancy