Head of Manufacturing

FindCore are delighted to be assisting a growing, innovative and highly successful manufacturing organisation with the recruitment of a Head of Manufacturing to join a progressive business based in Newcastle.

• Full-time, Monday to Friday – Permanent role
• Salary: £80,000 – £100,000

• Excellent benefits package
• Senior leadership opportunity
• Career progression and development opportunities
• Supportive and forward-thinking working environment
• Opportunity to lead manufacturing operations across a growing site
• Key role in driving performance, efficiency and continuous improvement

About the Role

The Head of Manufacturing will play a key role in leading and developing the manufacturing function, ensuring production, quality, safety, people and operational targets are consistently achieved.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader who is confident managing teams, improving processes and driving performance within a fast-paced production environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day manufacturing operations, leading production teams, reviewing performance against KPIs, improving operational efficiency and ensuring output is delivered in line with customer, quality and business requirements.

The role will involve working closely with senior leadership, operations, engineering, supply chain, quality, health and safety, and continuous improvement teams to ensure effective communication and strong operational delivery across the business.

Key responsibilities will include developing manufacturing strategy, identifying areas for improvement, managing resources effectively, reducing downtime, supporting lean initiatives, improving productivity and ensuring all manufacturing activity is carried out in line with company standards and compliance requirements.

This position would suit someone who is commercially aware, people-focused and passionate about building high-performing manufacturing teams.

Essential Criteria

• Previous experience in a Head of Manufacturing, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Operations Manager or similar senior leadership role
• Strong experience leading teams within a manufacturing or production environment
• Excellent people management and leadership skills
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, operational performance and KPI management
• Ability to improve efficiency, reduce waste and drive continuous improvement
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across multiple departments
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive and practical approach
• Ability to manage workload, prioritise effectively and make key operational decisions

Desirable Criteria

• Experience within engineering, industrial, FMCG, automotive, aerospace or high-volume manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma or continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience managing health and safety, quality or compliance standards
• Experience working with ERP, MRP or production planning systems
• Strong commercial awareness and experience managing budgets or operational costs
• Experience supporting business growth, site expansion or operational transformation projects

For further information on this opportunity, or any other position in Newcastle or the wider North East, please apply via the link or contact Jack Groves at FindCore in the strictest confidence.