Manufacturing Group Manager

Application Deadline: 14 August 2026

Department: Operations - Manufacturing

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Norwich, United Kingdom

Reporting To: Steven Wright

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Manufacturing Group and its constituent teams.
• Create a positive, collaborative and high-performing working environment.
• Develop team capability through coaching, mentoring and performance management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Support business growth through effective management of manufacturing resources and capability.
• Build strong working relationships across Engineering, Procurement, Supply Chain and Project Management functions.
• Manage the production and assembly of multiple large-scale simulator systems.
• Ensure manufacturing activities are delivered safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards.
• Coordinate resources, materials and facilities to meet project and production schedules.
• Monitor manufacturing performance and address operational challenges proactively.
• Support effective capacity planning and workload management.
• Ensure manufacturing objectives are aligned with wider business goals.
• Drive effective adoption and utilisation of ERP processes across manufacturing operations.
• Ensure production orders, bills of materials, routings and inventory transactions are accurately maintained.
• Promote data accuracy, process compliance and best practice system usage.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure ERP data supports efficient manufacturing execution.
• Use ERP reporting and management information to support operational decision making.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, visibility and operational performance through system and process improvements.
• Plan and prioritise manufacturing activities to meet customer and project requirements.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and stakeholders to support successful product delivery.
• Monitor production schedules and resolve bottlenecks where required.
• Support risk management and contingency planning within manufacturing operations.
• Ensure resources and materials are available to support agreed delivery plans.
• Lead manufacturing process improvement initiatives.
• Develop and implement new processes, procedures and best practices.
• Drive quality, efficiency and productivity improvements across the manufacturing operation.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Promote Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies where appropriate.
• Monitor key performance indicators and identify opportunities for operational enhancement.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Experience in a leadership role within a manufacturing, production or operations environment.
• Proven people management and leadership capability.
• Experience working within high-technology, engineering or advanced manufacturing businesses.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems within manufacturing operations.
• Strong understanding of production planning, inventory management, work orders and manufacturing processes.
• Experience driving process compliance and operational improvements.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, particularly Excel.
• Experience working with project management tools.
• Experience working with IFS ERP.
• Experience using Wrike or similar project management software.
• Knowledge of Bills of Materials (BOMs), Routings and Manufacturing Master Data.
• Health & Safety qualification such as IOSH or NEBOSH.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience within automotive, motorsport, simulation or advanced technology environments.
• Strong and approachable leader who can motivate and develop teams.
• Highly organised and capable of balancing strategic priorities with day-to-day operational management.
• Results-driven with a strong focus on delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborative and capable of influencing stakeholders across multiple departments.
• Practical and hands-on approach to problem solving.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a desire to optimise processes and performance.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced engineering and technology environment.
• Commercially aware and focused on achieving business objectives.
• Passionate about developing people, improving operations and building a high-performing manufacturing function.
• Collaborating with Engineering, Procurement, Supply Chain and Project Management functions.