Full job descriptionAn opportunity to build something — and grow with itWe are looking for a hands-on, ambitious Manufacturing & Operations Manager to take ownership of our growing manufacturing and warehouse operation in Middlewich, Cheshire.
This is a genuine opportunity to build and develop an operation rather than simply manage an established factory.
We are the UK manufacturing partner of InnuScience, a biotechnology company developing innovative, high-performance cleaning solutions designed to provide effective alternatives to conventional chemical products.
Our Middlewich operation incorporates:
*Plastic blow moulding
*Liquid filling and capping
*Screen printing and product decoration
*Warehousing
*Stock management
*Distribution and logistics
The successful candidate will take ownership of the day-to-day operation, improve how we work, develop our people and processes, and help us build the manufacturing capability required to support the growth of the UK business.
The opportunityThis role will suit someone who wants more than a conventional management position.
You will have the opportunity to make a real difference from day one, working directly with the management team to improve productivity, efficiency, quality, safety and cost control.
As the business grows, so will your responsibilities.
For the right individual, there is the potential to progress into a senior leadership role and, over time, potentially participate in the ownership of the business through an equity arrangement.
We are therefore looking for someone who wants to build a career with the business, rather than simply take a job.
The roleYou will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day manufacturing and warehouse operation, with a significant amount of your time spent on the factory floor.
You will need to understand how our equipment and processes work, identify problems, find practical solutions and continuously improve the way we manufacture and distribute our products.
Key responsibilities*Take ownership of the day-to-day manufacturing and warehouse operation.
*Plan and manage production to meet customer demand and delivery requirements.
*Oversee blow moulding, liquid filling/capping and screen-printing operations.
*Develop, document and continuously improve manufacturing processes and SOPs.
*Improve productivity, quality, efficiency and manufacturing costs.
*Monitor production output, downtime, waste, rejects and key operational KPIs.
*Troubleshoot machinery and production issues.
*Coordinate preventative maintenance and external engineering support.
*Manage raw materials, packaging, finished goods and warehouse inventory.
*Develop effective stock-control and warehouse-management systems.
*Recruit, manage and develop production and warehouse personnel as the operation grows.
*Maintain high standards of health & safety, quality and operational compliance.
*Manage relationships with relevant suppliers and service providers.
*Support production costing and capacity planning.
*Identify future equipment and manufacturing capacity requirements.
*Work closely with management and InnuScience UK to develop and scale the UK manufacturing operation.
About youWe are looking for someone who is practical, reliable, technically capable, hardworking and ambitious.
You will ideally be someone who:
*Takes ownership and does not need constant direction.
*Is comfortable getting involved personally and leading from the front.
*Has a strong work ethic and takes pride in doing things properly.
*Enjoys solving problems and finding better ways of doing things.
*Can combine technical, operational and commercial thinking.
*Is comfortable working in a small, entrepreneurial business.
*Understands that in a growing business, everyone gets involved.
*Wants to develop personally and professionally as the company grows.
*Has the ambition to take on increasing responsibility over time.
Experience we’re looking forYou will ideally have:
*Proven experience in manufacturing, production or process engineering.
*Experience managing production and/or warehouse operations.
*A strong practical understanding of manufacturing machinery and processes.
*Experience with blow moulding, plastics processing, filling/capping, packaging or printing/decoration would be highly advantageous.
*Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot production equipment.
*Experience implementing process improvements and improving manufacturing efficiency.
*Good knowledge of inventory, production planning and warehouse management.
*Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
*Good people-management and communication skills.
An engineering qualification would be advantageous, but practical manufacturing experience, technical ability and the right attitude are more important than formal qualifications.
Why join us?This is an opportunity to join a growing manufacturing business at an exciting stage of its development.
You will have:
*Genuine ownership of the manufacturing and operations function.
*The opportunity to build and develop the operation from an early stage.
*Direct involvement in improving processes, equipment and systems.
*The opportunity to work with innovative biotechnology-based cleaning products.
*Significant scope for career progression as the business grows.
*Increasing responsibility and influence within the business.
*Potential future opportunity for equity participation/ownership for the right individual.
*A hands-on, entrepreneurial environment where your contribution will have a direct impact on the success of the business.
This could be the opportunity for you if…You are currently an experienced Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager, Production Engineer or technically capable manufacturing professional who feels ready to take greater ownership and responsibility.
You want to be close to the operation, solve problems, build systems, develop people and see the direct results of your work.
Most importantly, you want the opportunity to help build something and share in its future success.
If that sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you.