Manufacturing Manager

Smile Materials was built to inspire progress. Guided by joyous, purposeful principles, we transform discarded materials into beautiful, functional architectural panels and surface products. From our factory in Swansea, our work reaches architects, designers and luxury brands around the world. Our distinctive, circular materials are specified for everything from retail displays and counters to furniture, signage and shower panels. Whether a bespoke order or a large-scale production run, we deliver with creativity, precision and care.

Together with our network of like-minded manufacturing partners, we’re expanding the reach of circular design globally, turning would-be waste into design with impact.

To support this growth, we’re seeking an ambitious Manufacturing Manager to elevate our operations to world-class standards. The Manufacturing Manager is responsible for the overall performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement of the company’s manufacturing and logistic operations. Working closely with other departments, the Manufacturing Manager will drive operational excellence, improve productivity, reduce waste, optimise equipment utilisation, and develop a high-performing manufacturing culture.

• Drive a strong safety culture through active hazard and near-miss reporting, with the goal of achieving zero lost-time accidents.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, legislation, risk assessments, and safe working procedures.
• Lead the environmental agenda to deliver a best-in-class carbon footprint, zero landfill waste, reduction of material waste, energy consumption, and production scrap.
• Ensure machinery, equipment, and production areas are operated and maintained safely.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions and implement appropriate corrective actions.

• Drive continuous improvement in “right-first-time” performance and reduce customer complaints.
• Oversee and develop processes to ensure compliance with ISO
  9001 and ISO
  14001 standards.
• Monitor product standards and implement effective quality control programmes.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing and logistic operation.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce costs, minimise waste, and improve quality.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing principles, including 5S, standard work, visual management, root-cause analysis, and waste reduction.
• Establish and monitor improvement projects with measurable financial and operational benefits.
• Encourage employees at all levels to contribute ideas for improving processes and working practices.

• Deliver daily, weekly, and monthly production output across press, fabrication, mixing, and logistic operations.
• Continually improve output, OEE, and productivity to achieve KPI’s through process improvement utilising lean principles.
• Set and achieve productivity goals for each manufacturing and warehouse team.
• Optimise resource and production planning to maximise efficiency, productivity, and on-time delivery in full (OTIF).
• Continuous Improvement of the TPM system to decrease downtime losses.
• Introduce and embed lean manufacturing principles and a 5S culture to world-class standards.
• Achieve >99% stock accuracy and ensure an efficient, world-class warehouse function.
• Organise fabrication material flow to optimise efficiency.
• Oversee repair and maintenance of production equipment.

• Manage freight and logistics contracts to ensure cost-effective and reliable service.
• Manage costs in line with budget.
• Drive productivity and cost improvements across manufacturing and supply chain operations.
• Ensure effective management of goods-in and despatch…