Assistant Factory Manager

Assistant Factory Manager - Dartford (£38‑40kpa)

This role supports the Factory Manager in running efficient, safe and high‑quality daily manufacturing operations, supervising staff, coordinating across departments, and driving continuous improvement to meet production and performance targets.

• Plan, coordinate, and monitor daily production activities to ensure smooth operations
• Drive achievement of production targets, KPIs, and delivery schedules
• Identify bottlenecks and implement improvements to optimise workflow and efficiency

• Lead and supervise production staff, team leaders, and shift supervisors
• Recruit, train, and develop factory personnel, conducting regular performance reviews
• Foster a positive, high‑performance culture across the factory floor

• Ensure full compliance with health and safety legislation and company policies
• Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and toolbox talks
• Investigate incidents and drive corrective actions

• Plan preventive maintenance schedules to maximise efficiency and minimise downtime
• Liaise with engineering and maintenance teams to oversee repairs and upgrades

• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S initiatives to drive operational improvements
• Identify opportunities to enhance productivity, quality, and safety across the operation

• Proven leadership and people management capabilities with the ability to motivate and develop teams
• Strong organisational skills with a practical, solutions‑focused approach to problem‑solving
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and production environments
• Confident in using data and analysis to inform decisions and drive improvements
• Clear and effective communicator, able to engage with people at all levels
• Resilient and calm under pressure, with a consistent ability to meet deadlines

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a manufacturing or production environment
• Demonstrated experience in a supervisory or team leadership role
• Sound knowledge of Health & Safety regulations and best practices
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and their practical application

• Production output measured against set targets
• Quality defect and reject rates
• Health and safety metrics, including incident and near‑miss rates
• Equipment downtime and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Labour productivity and operational efficiency
• Cost control, waste reduction, and resource utilisation

This Assistant Factory Manager position works Monday to Friday, 8am – 4:30pm with a 1‑hour lunch. Immediate start.