Assistant Factory Manager - Electronics Job Dartford area,England UK,Manufacturing / Production

Kentec Assistant Factory Manager Electronics

Kentec Electronics Ltd has been a major global manufacturer of independent fire control panels for the last 40 years. Over time, the Kentec brand has become known for its top‑quality products, outstanding service, and exceptional support. Headquartered in Dartford, Kent, Kentec supplies control equipment to more than 90 countries worldwide in multiple languages.

As part of the Hochiki Corporation – one of the world’s most established and respected fire detection and life safety manufacturers with over 100 years of history – Kentec has been a valued member of the Hochiki family for the past 13 years. This partnership has strengthened our position in the global market, enabling us to deliver world‑class fire control panel solutions backed by decades of innovation, quality, and reliability.

Job

Title

Assistant Manager – PCB Manufacturing & Final Assembly

Department

Electronics Manufacturing / Production

Reports To

Factory Manager

Job Purpose

To support the Factory Manager in delivering efficient, high‑quality PCB production and final assembly operations. The role ensures smooth execution of SMT, through‑hole, and final assembly processes while maintaining strict quality, safety, and delivery standards in a fast‑paced electronics manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Process Management

Support daily operations across SMT lines, through‑hole assembly/test, and final product assembly/test.
Ensure production schedules are achieved (OTIF – On Time In Full).
Monitor line performance, cycle times, and bottlenecks.
Coordinate quick changeovers and minimise downtime.
Ensure correct setup of pick‑and‑place machines, reflow ovens, and test equipment.
Performance management and workforce planning.

Technical & Process Control

Ensure adherence to PCB manufacturing standards (e.g., IPC‑A‑610, IPC‑J‑STD‑001).
Support process optimisation for soldering, placement accuracy, and yield.
Troubleshoot production issues such as solder defects, component misalignment, and reflow/profile issues.
Work closely with Engineering on NPI and process validation.

Quality Management

Ensure compliance with quality standards and customer specifications.
Monitor defect rates (e.g., solder bridges, tomb stoning, insufficient solder).
Support root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
Drive Right‑First Time and continuous improvement initiatives.
Ensure traceability of components and assemblies.

Team Leadership & Development

Supervise production staff, team leaders, and line supervisors.
Provide coaching on electronics assembly techniques and standards.
Support skills development.
Manage performance, attendance, and workforce planning.
Promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Health, Safety & ESD Compliance

Ensure adherence to all health & safety procedures.
Enforce ESD control measures.
Maintain safe working practices around automated machinery and soldering equipment.
Conduct audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

Drive Lean initiatives (5S, Kaizen, waste reduction).
Monitor and improve KPIs such as First Pass Yield (FPY), Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), defect rates, and rework levels.
Identify opportunities to improve line balancing and throughput.
Support automation and digitalisation projects.

Reporting & KPI Management

Track and report production performance metrics.
Analyse yield, downtime, and quality trends.
Provide shift and daily production reports.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

First Pass Yield (FPY)
Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
Defect rate / DPMO (Defects Per Million Opportunities)
On‑Time Delivery (OTD)
Rework and scrap levels
Line downtime and changeover efficiency

Qualifications & Experience

5 years manufacturing/production line experience
Experience supervising production teams
Strong technical understanding of PCB assembly processes
Leadership and people management skills
Analytical mindset with a focus on yield and defect reduction
Excellent problem‑solving (root cause analysis, 8D, Fishbone, etc.)
Ability to work in a high‑mix, low‑volume or high‑volume environment
Strong…