Our client is a leading UK manufacturer specialising in products for the landscaping, horticulture and forestry sectors. They focus on developing environmentally responsible solutions, usually fully recycled and plant based materials wherever possible.
Benefits
Company pension, private medical insurance
Role
The Manufacturing Manager is responsible for leading the plant's core functions – Production, QHSE, Engineering, and Warehousing – to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable operations. This role requires a leader who combines strong organizational and analytical capability with hands‑on operational support. The Manufacturing Manager will establish clear systems, standards, and performance structures while supporting department managers in executing their daily responsibilities effectively. A key focus of the role is to drive efficiency, optimise resource utilisation and reduce operational costs through process improvement, disciplined execution and data‑driven management.
Leadership & Execution Support
- Lead and support the Production, QHSE, Engineering and Warehousing Managers to deliver operational results.
- Provide the tools, systems and guidance necessary for each team to execute effectively and consistently.
- Balance strategic oversight with practical, day‑to‑day involvement to ensure plans are implemented successfully.
- Promote alignment, clear priorities and strong cross‑functional collaboration.
Systems, Standards & Organisational Development
- Develop and implement consistent operating procedures, standards and reporting systems across all departments.
- Introduce and maintain company‑developed management systems (Odoo, Checkpoint, maintenance, quality, safety) to improve communication, visibility and control.
- Establish and document operational routines, ensuring discipline and consistency across all departments.
- Promote structured, data‑based decision‑making and accountability throughout the plant.
Efficiency, Cost and Performance Management
- Establish and govern operational efficiency programmes aimed at improving productivity, reducing waste and lowering costs.
- Monitor and analyse performance data to identify cost drivers and improvement opportunities.
- Develop and track KPIs for efficiency, throughput, downtime and cost performance.
- Work closely with department managers to implement improvement actions and verify results.
QHSE & Compliance
- Maintain a strong focus on safety, quality and compliance with regulatory and company standards.
- Oversee QHSE performance and ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
Project & Continuous Improvement
- Lead and support key plant improvement projects.
- Provide structure and follow‑through to ensure projects are implemented effectively and sustainably.
- Apply Lean principles, problem‑solving and data analysis to drive measurable results.
- Ensure initiatives are well‑structured, resourced and delivered on time.
Candidate
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related discipline.
- 7–10 years of experience in manufacturing or plant operations, including leadership of multiple functional areas.
- Proven experience in driving efficiency, productivity and cost improvement in an industrial environment.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and turn insights into action.
- Experience implementing operational systems and standards (ERP, TPM, Lean, ISO, etc.).
- Balanced leadership style – both strategic and hands‑on.
- Analytical, structured and cost‑focused.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Hands‑on leadership and execution support.
- Cross‑functional coordination and influence.
- Continuous improvement and problem‑solving mindset.
- Data‑driven and results‑oriented.
Edwards & Pearce is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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