Head of Manufacturing

Jim Lawrence Traditional Ironworks are a family run manufacturing business based in Hadleigh, specialising in lighting and home interiors.

We are seeking a Head of Manufacturing to lead the development and execution of strategies to drive productivity innovation and sustainable growth through process optimisation, technology integration and strategic planning. You will be a valuable member of the Senior Management Team, directing on strategy, driving continuous improvement and being a role model for the wider business.

Key areas of responsibility -

• Work alongside the Head of Production to address production bottlenecks, ensure planning schedules are met and resources are efficiently allocated.


• Develop and implement strategies to optimise production processes and engineering work flows.


• Align production and engineering goals, focussing on cost efficiency, innovation and sustainability.


• Lead the engineering team in designing, maintaining and improving production systems and equipment.


• Drive innovation in product design and manufacturing processes to ensure scalability and quality.


• Oversee compliance within industry standards, safety regulations and quality certifications.


• Inspire a quality culture across the business by managing all the quality processes across product development, production, supplier inspections and customer returns.


• Conduct root cause analysis to address operation inefficiencies and implement corrective actions.


• Responsible for all Operations at secondary site in Clare.


• Champion Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and other continuous improvement methodologies.


• Manage budgets for production and engineering, ensuring cost-effective solutions.


• Take responsibility for all machinery/engineering purchases, maintenance and servicing.


• Create and monitor KPI’s for productivity, quality and cost.


• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing Design, QC and Engineering team by developing and maintaining a culture of continuous learning and innovation.


• Develop a succession plan to meet future production needs.

Essential experience and skills -

• Proven experience in a leadership role within production and engineering.


• Track record in strategy development and execution.


• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.


• Excellent knowledge of manufacturing processes, engineering principles and project management.


• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and process optimisation


• Proven IT skills in ERP systems, CAD software and production planning tools.


• Strategic thinker and planner.


• Great communications skills, comfortable on shopfloor and office environment


• Demonstrable people management skills with the ability to balance multiple people challenges of varying complexities.

Desirable -

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Production Management or a relation field.

Benefits -

- Enhanced Annual Leave of 25 days plus bank holidays

- Company pension 3% to 5%

- Free on-site parking

- Health & wellbeing programme

- Referral programme 

- 40% Employee Discount

- Company Sick Pay

Schedule -

 8 hours shift - 08:30 - 17:00

Monday to Friday

On site

Salary depending on experience