Overview
A career defining opportunity to join an innovative advanced manufacturing business as its first senior operational hire, leading the creation of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility from concept through to full production. You’ll shape operations, build high-performing teams, implement world-class manufacturing processes and play a pivotal role in scaling a business with genuine long-term growth, leadership progression and equity potential.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development and commissioning of a new advanced manufacturing facility.
- Build and develop the senior operations leadership team.
- Drive manufacturing readiness, production planning and operational strategy.
- Oversee quality management systems and certification activities (including AS9100).
- Manage capital equipment selection, installation and production line implementation.
- Develop lean manufacturing processes focused on OEE, FPY and continuous improvement.
- Support commercial discussions by providing operational and technical expertise.
- Recruit, develop and lead a large production workforce as operations scale.
- Establish robust supplier, materials and production planning processes.
- Create the operational roadmap for future expansion and additional manufacturing facilities.
Experience & Qualifications
- Significant senior leadership experience within high-volume manufacturing.
- Background in automotive, aerospace, defence or other regulated manufacturing environments.
- Proven experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement.
- Strong understanding of OEE, First Pass Yield, takt time and operational KPIs.
- Experience leading large production teams through periods of rapid growth.
- Demonstrable success delivering major manufacturing or facility start-up projects.
- Knowledge of quality management systems such as AS9100 or ISO standards.
- Commercially minded with experience supporting customer and supplier negotiations.
- Strong stakeholder management and leadership skills.
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related discipline preferred.
Benefits
- £140,000 – £165,000 basic salary.
- Significant equity / earn-out opportunity.
- Opportunity to build and shape a manufacturing business from the ground up.
- Autonomy to influence strategy, operations and long-term business growth.