Head of Manufacturing

Head of Manufacturing Location: Maidstone, Kent Monday - Friday Build the Future of Manufacturing. We're partnering with one of the UK's fastest-growing contract manufacturers operating within the food and wellness sector. Following significant investment, continued commercial growth and ambitious expansion plans, the business is now looking to appoint a Head of Manufacturing to lead the next stage of its manufacturing evolution. Reporting directly to the Operations Director, you'll take ownership of the manufacturing function, developing the people, processes, standards and structure required to support a business entering its next phase of growth, automation and operational scale. If you're someone who enjoys creating structure, developing teams, improving performance and leaving a lasting legacy, this could be one of the most exciting manufacturing leadership opportunities currently available. The Opportunity You'll provide senior leadership across manufacturing, leading Production Managers and their wider teams while creating the systems, routines and operational discipline needed for a rapidly growing business. The business manufactures a wide range of products within highly regulated production environments and continues to invest heavily in new equipment, automation and future manufacturing capability. You'll play a central role in shaping how manufacturing operates today while preparing the business for tomorrow. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role where you'll spend significant time on the factory floor, coaching teams, solving problems and driving continuous improvement. What You'll Be Responsible For • Leading the manufacturing operation across multiple production departments. • Coaching and developing Production Managers, Team Leaders and Supervisors. • Building a high-performing manufacturing culture focused on accountability, engagement and continuous improvement. • Driving improvements across productivity, labour utilisation, OEE, OTIF, downtime, Right First Time and overall operational performance. • Developing stronger factory routines, communication, shift handovers and escalation processes. • Working collaboratively with Engineering, Technical, Quality, Planning and Warehouse to improve overall site performance. • Supporting future automation projects, new equipment implementation and operational change. • Creating development plans and succession pathways across manufacturing. • Helping prepare the business for significant future site expansion and increased manufacturing capability. We're Looking For We're interested in experienced manufacturing leaders who thrive in fast-paced, regulated environments. Backgrounds could include: • Food Manufacturing • Nutraceuticals • Pharmaceuticals • Drink Manufacturing • FMCG • Cosmetics or Personal Care You'll likely have experience as a: • Head of Manufacturing • Manufacturing Manager • Senior Production Manager • Manufacturing Lead Most importantly, you'll be an inspirational people leader who enjoys developing others, raising standards and building manufacturing functions that are ready for growth. What You'll Bring • Proven senior manufacturing leadership experience within a regulated manufacturing environment. • Experience leading Production Managers and multi-layer manufacturing teams. • Strong understanding of GMP, quality systems and manufacturing best practice. • Track record of improving manufacturing performance, productivity and operational efficiency. • Experience implementing structure, process improvements and Continuous Improvement initiatives. • Experience applying Continuous Improvement methodologies, including Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen and Lean Six Sigma, to improve productivity, reduce waste, optimise processes and enhance operational performance would be highly advantageous. • Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance operational performance alongside long-term business objectives. • A strong understanding of Health & Safety legislation and best practice within a manufacturing environment. • IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH General Certificate or an equivalent Health & Safety qualification would be highly desirable. • Excellent leadership, coaching and communication skills. • The ability to balance strategic thinking with a genuine hands-on approach on the factory floor. Experience within Food Manufacturing or Pharmaceutical Manufacturing would both be highly desirable. Why This Opportunity? Opportunities like this don't come around often. You'll be joining a business that continues to invest heavily in its people, facilities and manufacturing capability, with exciting plans for further expansion over the coming years. The company has significantly expanded its UK manufacturing footprint in recent years, added new production capabilities and is investing in a much larger future manufacturing facility to support continued growth. Rather than simply maintaining an established operation, you'll have genuine influence over how manufacturing evolves. You'll help shape future production structures, develop the next generation of manufacturing leaders and play a key role in delivering one of the company's most exciting periods of growth. If you enjoy building, improving and making a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.