Manufacturing Director

Manufacturing Director

Our PE backed client is a leading manufacturer and supplier of machined graphite, EDM consumables and overall EDM solutions, serving customers across a wide range of aerospace and industrial markets. With a specific focus on their core growth in the global aerospace sector, we are seeking a NEW and experienced Manufacturing Director who will strategically and practically lead the global manufacturing deliverables of the business.

The Manufacturing Director is responsible for leading and optimizing all manufacturing operations across the Company's UK and US facilities, ensuring world-class levels of safety, quality, delivery, cost and customer satisfaction.

This executive leadership role will drive operational excellence, capacity expansion, continuous improvement and strategic growth initiatives across both regions. The successful candidate will combine strong operational leadership, engineering expertise and commercial awareness to establish scalable manufacturing systems, foster a high-performance culture and support the company's growth objectives in aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, tooling and precision engineering markets.

Reporting to the CEO, as an operational lead with a particular exposure to precision machining in aerospace, the Manufacturing Director will lead all manufacturing activities across UK and US operations. Specifically, you will:

• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that support business growth, profitability, and customer service objectives.
• Establish and monitor key operational performance indicators including:
  • Safety
  • Quality
  • On-Time Delivery
  • Productivity
  • Inventory Performance
  • Capacity Utilization
  • Labour Efficiency
• Ensure consistent operational standards across all manufacturing locations.
• Create a culture of accountability, operational excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Drive lean manufacturing initiatives throughout the organisation.
• Implement and sustain continuous improvement programs focused on waste reduction, workflow optimization, and productivity enhancement.
• Develop robust production planning and scheduling systems to support demand growth.
• Work closely with engineering teams to introduce new products, machinery, automation and manufacturing technologies.
• Support technology investments that enhance precision, productivity and scalability
• Develop a consistent operational framework while recognising regional market and customer requirements.
• Conduct quarterly reviews at US facilities and support major customer engagements as required.
• Facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing between sites.
• Lead cross-functional global projects involving operations, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Champion a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
• Develop and manage manufacturing budgets across UK and US operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins through efficiency improvements and waste reduction.
• Manage capital expenditure planning and justification.
• Lead, coach and develop manufacturing leadership teams across both countries.
• Build succession plans for key operational positions.

To support this position, you will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations management, or related discipline.
  • Master's Degree or MBA preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior operational leadership role.
• Experience managing multi-site manufacturing operations.
• Proven experience leading international teams and facilities.

Preferred Industry Experience

• Graphite machining / precision engineering / EDM manufacturing / tooling and mould making / aerospace manufacturing / advanced machining operations / industrial consumables / high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments

Ideal Candidate Profile

• A hands-on manufacturing leader with experience in precision machining and engineered materials, capable of operating at both strategic and operational levels. The ideal candidate is comfortable on the factory floor, understands the technical and commercial challenges of graphite machining and has the leadership presence to drive performance across international manufacturing operations while supporting ambitious growth objectives.

In summary, this is a senior leadership role which will add to the continued success of the business in a demanding environment. It is supported by an executive level package and benefits.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.

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