Head of Manufacturing

Head of Manufacturing | Wallasey | Up to £80,000 + Performance-Related Bonus Lead Manufacturing Excellence. Drive Performance. Shape the Future. Hydrokem are looking for an ambitious and experienced Head of Manufacturing to lead our manufacturing operations and play a key role in the continued success and growth of our business. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a senior leadership position with full responsibility for operational performance across our busy manufacturing site. You'll have the opportunity to influence business strategy, drive cultural transformation, improve productivity, and lead a high-performing team in a fast-paced environment. This role is ideally suited to a hands-on operational leader with a strong engineering background, a passion for continuous improvement, and a proven track record of delivering measurable results through people, processes, and performance. Please note: Previous applicants need not apply. What You'll Be Doing As Head of Manufacturing, you will be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of the plant while driving a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities of the Head of Manufacturing • Lead, manage, and continuously improve all manufacturing operations across the site. • Drive productivity, quality, efficiency, and service levels in line with business objectives and KPIs. • Embed Lean Six Sigma principles and foster a culture of continuous improvement throughout the business. • Lead, coach, and develop a diverse workforce, including both permanent employees and agency staff. • Work closely with Engineering, Technical, Quality, and Finance teams to optimise operational performance. • Champion employee engagement initiatives and drive positive cultural change. • Manage operational budgets, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure effective resource utilisation. • Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality standards. • Lead performance management processes, including annual reviews, capability management, disciplinary, and grievance matters. • Support and deliver major engineering and capital improvement projects. • Manage competing operational priorities while maximising plant and equipment utilisation. • Build strong working relationships across all levels of the business and naturally engage with employees to support a positive workplace culture. Skills & Experience Required • A minimum of 5 years' experience in a senior manufacturing or operations leadership role. • A strong engineering background (Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering). • Proven success in driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency programmes. • Extensive people management experience, including coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams. • Demonstrable experience implementing positive culture change and employee engagement initiatives. • Lean Six Sigma expertise with a strong track record of delivering measurable improvements. • Experience managing both permanent and temporary/agency workforces. • Strong commercial awareness and experience managing operational budgets. • Previous experience as part of a Senior Leadership Team. • Excellent communication, organisational, and decision-making skills. • The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving manufacturing environment. • Experience within the chemical manufacturing sector would be advantageous, although not essential. Why Join Us? This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established and forward-thinking manufacturing business where you'll have genuine influence and autonomy to make a lasting impact. You'll be joining a supportive leadership team committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and investing in its people. Benefits • Competitive salary of up to £80,000 • Performance-related bonus • 25 days annual leave plus 1 gifted company day • Option to purchase up to 3 additional days' holiday • Christmas factory shutdown • Company pension scheme • Accident insurance • Simply Health and Unum Help@Hand • Cycle to Work scheme • Professional development and training opportunities • Free on-site parking • Hydrokem Social Day Ready for Your Next Challenge? This is an outstanding opportunity to join a successful and growing manufacturing business in a key leadership role. If you have the experience, drive, and vision to lead operational performance and deliver lasting change, submit your application today for immediate consideration.