Manufacturing Director
Recruiter: Hays Recruitment
Location: Maidstone
Salary: £100,000 - £110,000 + car & benefits
Application date: 4th Aug 2026
Your new company
Our client is a growing UK manufacturing business operating in the Electronics sector. With over 100 employees and ambitious growth plans, they are investing in operational capability and are seeking a Director of Manufacturing & Operational Excellence to play a key role in the next stage of their journey. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior manufacturing leader who wants to make a lasting impact within a growing business and help shape its future operational strategy.
Your new role
Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead the Production, Planning, and Test functions through five direct reports, and team of approx. 65 staff. This role combines strategic leadership and operational delivery, focused on transforming manufacturing performance, improving scalability and embedding a culture of continuous improvement across the business.
Key responsibilities will include:
• Driving manufacturing efficiency, productivity and cost reduction initiatives.
• Delivering and improving OTIF performance and customer delivery reliability.
• Developing planning, scheduling and capacity management processes.
• Introducing automation and improved manufacturing methods where appropriate.
• Developing subcontract manufacturing partnerships to support growth.
• Strengthening cross-functional collaboration between Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing and Sales.
• Improving production documentation, quality systems and standard operating procedures.
• Creating a data-driven culture through KPI management and operational reporting.
• Leading organisational change and developing high-performing teams.
What you’ll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced manufacturing leader with a proven track record of improving operational performance within an engineering, technical or advanced manufacturing environment.
You should be able to demonstrate:
• Leadership of manufacturing operations during periods of business growth.
• Strong Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and 5S expertise.
• Experience within high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.
• Production planning, scheduling and manufacturing control capability.
• Delivery of automation, efficiency and productivity improvement projects.
• Experience developing and managing subcontract manufacturing partners.
• A track record of leading change, engaging teams and developing people.
• Excellent stakeholder management and the ability to influence at executive level.
What you’ll get in return
Competitive remuneration £100,000 – £110,000 basic, plus car and other benefits including bonus potential (please ask for full info as the package is currently being finalised).