Manufacturing Lead

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Manufacturing Lead to join our aerospace and defence manufacturing operation in Consett.

Reporting to the Production Manager, you will lead and manage the U13 manufacturing area, ensuring we consistently meet and exceed customer expectations across Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and People (SQCDP).

This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, can make effective decisions under pressure and is passionate about developing people and driving continuous improvement.

Promote a strong HS&E culture and ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and relevant standards, including ISO 14001, ISO 50001 and ISO 45001.

Proactively manage health, safety and environmental performance using 6S principles.

Work with the wider site team to reduce accidents, near misses and environmental hazards.

Support legislative audits and action plans, driving improvements in safety and environmental performance.

Lead and make decisions on quality and engineering issues affecting the shift, with training provided where required.

Promote a culture of right‑first‑time manufacturing, continuous improvement and zero defects.

Ensure quality standards and procedures are consistently followed.

Provide effective two‑way communication between the shop floor and wider business regarding internal and external quality concerns.

Lead issue resolution through SQCDP meetings, root‑cause analysis and robust problem‑solving methodologies.

Support the achievement of financial, operational and commercial objectives.

Identify and implement cost‑reduction and efficiency improvements that increase profitability and customer value.

Drive Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen and continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.

Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste and optimise manufacturing performance.

Lead the shift to achieve customer delivery requirements and a target of 99% scheduled attainment (D1).

Monitor and improve production efficiency, output and labour performance.

Develop and maintain clear visual operational KPIs aligned to business objectives.

Use performance data to identify issues, implement corrective actions and drive sustained improvements.

Optimise production output through effective resource planning, efficiency improvements and performance management.

Lead, motivate and develop the manufacturing team, creating a positive, inclusive and high‑performing working environment.

Support recruitment, onboarding, training and upskilling activities, including maintenance of the training matrix.

Manage employee matters including performance, absence, appraisals, holiday planning, discipline and grievances.

Build strong workplace relationships through effective communication and an appropriate leadership style.

Promote diversity, inclusion, wellbeing and positive cultural change.

Set clear expectations and ensure high standards of behaviour, performance and conduct are maintained.

We are seeking a confident manufacturing leader with a strong operational background and the ability to inspire people while delivering demanding production targets.

• Proven leadership experience within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Extensive knowledge of production processes, ideally within aerospace, defence or automotive manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen and continuous improvement techniques.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical and decision‑making skills.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing and people‑development skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to…