Head of Manufacturing

Head of Manufacturing

Birkenhead, Wirral | Permanent, Full-Time

Are you a hands-on manufacturing leader ready to take charge of a dynamic, growing plant?

This is a pivotal, hands-on leadership role reporting directly to the Managing Director. You'll take ownership of day-to-day plant operations, driving productivity, quality, safety and continuous improvement while leading a diverse team of permanent and agency staff.

What You'll Be Doing

• Providing visionary, hands-on leadership across all plant operations

• Delivering sustained improvements in productivity, quality and efficiency against business KPIs

• Leading, motivating and developing a diverse workforce of permanent and agency operators

• Working cross-functionally with engineering, quality, technical and finance teams

• Championing Lean Six Sigma and embedding a culture of continuous improvement

• Managing HR processes including appraisals, capability reviews and disciplinary/grievance matters

• Upholding rigorous health, safety and environmental standards

• Managing operational budgets and addressing variances proactively

• Partnering with engineering on process improvement and capital projects

• Balancing competing priorities to maximise machine utilisation and output

What We're Looking For

• A proven track record in operations management within manufacturing

• A strong engineering background — Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical

• Demonstrated leadership of both permanent and agency teams

• Hands-on experience applying Lean Six Sigma to drive real, measurable results

• Solid experience managing HR-related processes

• Excellent communication and decision-making skills, with the ability to influence at all levels

• Previous experience as part of a Senior Leadership Team