Manufacturing Team Manager

📍 Location: South Molton, Devon
🕒 Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About the Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Manufacturing Team Manager to join a leading aerospace manufacturing facility in South Molton, Devon. Employing over 400 people, the site is a recognised centre of excellence for precision engineering and aerospace component manufacturing.

This role is responsible for leading all manufacturing and production activities within a designated area, ensuring products are delivered safely, efficiently, on time, and to the highest quality standards. You will play a key role in driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, employee engagement, and team development.

The Role

As Manufacturing Team Manager, you will oversee both hourly and salaried employees, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to meet production demands while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, delivery and cost performance. You will be responsible for implementing best practice manufacturing principles and fostering a high-performance culture that supports continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all manufacturing activities within a defined production area.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement through High Performance Work Teams (HPWTs).
• Drive the application of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Identify and eliminate waste within key manufacturing processes.
• Achieve and improve key operational metrics, including:
  • Safety performance
  • Productive utilisation
  • On-time delivery
  • First Pass Yield
  • DPPM (Defective Parts Per Million)
• Lead maintenance and facilities activities to maximise plant asset performance.
• Promote and drive health, safety and environmental improvements across the operation.
• Develop, coach and mentor team members to support individual and business growth.
• Provide clear vision, direction and leadership to the manufacturing team.
• Lead by example and act as a positive role model.
• Recognise and engage employees to create a high-performing culture.
• Remove barriers and provide resources to enable team success.
• Empower employees by encouraging ownership and decision-making.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives and foster a collaborative working environment.
• Deliver performance against operational targets for the assigned value stream.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent qualification.
• A minimum of 3-5 years' experience within a manufacturing or operations environment.
• At least 1-3 years' experience leading and developing teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Strong leadership, coaching and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Problem-solving experience using structured methodologies such as 8D or A3.
• Ability to drive change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong organisational and decision-making skills.

Desirable

• Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence experience.
• Knowledge of:
  • 6S
  • Value Stream Mapping
  • Standard Work
  • Visual Management
• Experience working within a process-driven manufacturing environment.
• Passion for continuous learning and developing others.
• A proactive, motivated and forward-thinking leadership style.

What's on Offer?

• Opportunity to lead within a highly respected aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Work with advanced manufacturing processes and technologies.
• Career development and progression opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative working culture.
• The chance to make a significant impact on operational performance and continuous improvement initiatives.

If you are an experienced manufacturing leader looking to take the next step in your career within a world-class engineering environment, we would love to hear from you.