Head of Manufacturing, QC and Technical

Jim Lawrence Traditional Ironworks are a family run manufacturing business based in Hadleigh, specialising in lighting and home interiors.

We are seeking a Head of Manufacturing to lead the development and execution of strategies to drive productivity innovation and sustainable growth through process optimisation, technology integration and strategic planning. You will be a valuable member of the Senior Management Team, directing on strategy, driving continuous improvement and being a role model for the wider business.

Key areas of responsibility -

• Work alongside the Head of Production to address production bottlenecks, ensure planning schedules are met and resources are efficiently allocated.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimise production processes and engineering work flows.
• Align production and engineering goals, focussing on cost efficiency, innovation and sustainability.
• Lead the engineering team in designing, maintaining and improving production systems and equipment.
• Drive innovation in product design and manufacturing processes to ensure scalability and quality.
• Oversee compliance within industry standards, safety regulations and quality certifications.
• Inspire a quality culture across the business by managing all the quality processes across product development, production, supplier inspections and customer returns.
• Conduct root cause analysis to address operation inefficiencies and implement corrective actions.
• Responsible for all Operations at secondary site in Clare.
• Champion Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Manage budgets for production and engineering, ensuring cost-effective solutions.
• Take responsibility for all machinery/engineering purchases, maintenance and servicing.
• Create and monitor KPI’s for productivity, quality and cost.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing Design, QC and Engineering team by developing and maintaining a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
• Develop a succession plan to meet future production needs.

Essential experience and skills -

• Proven experience in a leadership role within production and engineering.
• Track record in strategy development and execution.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent knowledge of manufacturing processes, engineering principles and project management.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and process optimisation
• Proven IT skills in ERP systems, CAD software and production planning tools.
• Strategic thinker and planner.
• Great communications skills, comfortable on shopfloor and office environment
• Demonstrable people management skills with the ability to balance multiple people challenges of varying complexities.

Desirable -

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Production Management or a relation field.

Benefits -

• Additional leave
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Profit sharing
• Referral programme
• Sick pay

Schedule -

• 8 hours shift - 08:30 - 17:00
• Monday to Friday
• On site

Salary depending on experience