Job Description

UK Manufacturing Operations Manager

Location: Hastings, East Sussex, TN38 9PU

Contract: Full‑time, Permanent

Hours: 40 per week

Lead Manufacturing Excellence. Drive Innovation. Shape the Future.

At the Kurt J. Lesker Company, we're enabling technologies that are transforming the world around us. From semiconductors and aerospace to medical devices and advanced research, our products help power some of the most exciting innovations happening today.

We are seeking an experienced UK Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead our manufacturing operation in Hastings. This is a rare opportunity to take on a highly influential leadership role within a growing global technology company, where you'll shape strategy, drive operational excellence, and develop high-performing teams.

About the Role:

As UK Manufacturing Operations Manager, you will lead our manufacturing operations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products while maintaining exceptional standards of safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. You'll provide leadership across Engineering, Production, Planning, and Material Control, driving continuous improvement and supporting the ongoing development of our people, processes, and capabilities.

Working closely with senior leaders and global colleagues, you'll play a key role in delivering operational strategy, supporting business growth, and helping position our UK facility for future success.

If you're a passionate manufacturing leader who thrives on developing people, driving performance, and making a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership, coaching, and operational oversight to ensure the delivery of quality products on time and within budget.
• Oversee shop floor operations, production planning, procurement and engineering performance via Monthly KPI’s.
• Ensure a safe, compliant, and inclusive working environment in accordance with UK health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and implement daily performance management measures utilizing D365 or PowerBI reports, tiles, and filters.
• Drive root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve operational challenges.
• Coordinate and respond to Corrective Action Requests (CARs) and ensure thorough implementation of Long-Term Corrective Actions (LTCAs).
• Project Manage critical projects, providing direct up dates to the Sales Teams and occasionally with Customers.
• Utilise D365, Power BI, and other business systems to monitor operational performance, analyse costs, and support data-driven decision making.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, 6S, and continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.
• Prepare capital investment proposals, including ROI analysis, for equipment and infrastructure upgrades.
• Manage departmental budgets, project timelines, and resource allocation.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date documentation of processes in line with Global Best Practice, training materials, and work instructions.
• Promote a culture of best practices, sustainability, and innovation in manufacturing.
• Interact with Sales, Customers and Vendors as needed
• Track the Corporate Quality Goals and work to continually improve them: on-time delivery, continual improvement, customer satisfaction, and defect-free products.
• Stay informed on emerging manufacturing technologies and industry trends
• Ensure each of your areas are working and acting in an environmentally friendly manner in line with ISO14001.
• Occasional travel within Europe and internationally as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring:

Required

• Degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Extensive experience in manufacturing leadership, including direct team management.
• Strong background in Lean, 6S, CAPA, process mapping, and performance management.
• Proficient in demand, resource, and material planning and scheduling.
• Experience in facility layout and expansion planning.
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel (up to 10%).

Preferred

• Experience in machining and welding fundamentals.
• Familiarity with Value Stream Mapping and 1off production environments.
• Understanding finance production performance (P&L, overheads, cost, absorption).
• ERP system experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Matched pension up to 5%
• Health Cash Plan offering £600 per annum towards your standard healthcare costs for both you and your family, plus access to a free 24-hour doctor service
• Income protection insurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
• Corporate, wellness and charity events throughout the year with the option to earn an extra day of annual leave

Please note we have a PSL in place and are unable to accept speculative CV’s from recruitment agencies.

Kurt J Lesker Company Ltd is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.

Applicants who require reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process are encouraged to contact us in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

For further information or assistance, please contact hremeia@lesker.com

Kurt J. Lesker Company Ltd is a limited company