Manufacturing Manager Jobs

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for driving efficiency and quality in production environments?

Manufacturing Manager jobs play a vital role in ensuring that every stage of the manufacturing process runs smoothly, cost-effectively, and delivers high-quality products on time.

At Stafffinders, we recruit skilled Manufacturing Managers for clients across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and throughout the UK, working within industries such as engineering, FMCG, food production, and industrial manufacturing. Whether you’re ready to step up into management or seeking your next senior role, we’ll connect you with opportunities that match your experience and ambitions.

What Does a Manufacturing Manager Do?

A Manufacturing Manager oversees the full production process, ensuring that operations meet business objectives for quality, cost, and delivery. This includes everything from production planning and team supervision to process optimisation and stakeholder coordination.

You’ll collaborate closely with maintenance engineers, buyers, quality control teams, and health and safety inspectors to ensure manufacturing targets are achieved safely and efficiently. Typical responsibilities include:

• Creating and managing production schedules to meet customer demand and delivery deadlines

• Estimating resource and material requirements and ensuring cost-effective planning

• Monitoring and controlling production processes, making adjustments as necessary to meet targets

• Setting and maintaining quality standards across all stages of production

• Supervising, motivating, and developing teams to achieve high performance

• Managing stock control, materials handling, and equipment maintenance

• Working with senior management to produce detailed performance and production reports

• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and promoting a safe working environment

From planning to delivery, Manufacturing Managers play a central role in maintaining operational efficiency and supporting continuous improvement within production facilities.

Skills, Experience and Education

To succeed in a Manufacturing Manager job, you’ll need strong leadership and problem-solving abilities, along with a deep understanding of production processes and operational management.

Key skills include

• Proven experience in production or manufacturing management

• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies

• Excellent leadership and team management skills

• Ability to interpret data and make informed operational decisions

• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and best practices

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for cross-departmental collaboration

• Excellent organisational and time management abilities

This role requires someone who can manage people, processes, and priorities simultaneously, ensuring every product meets both quality expectations and delivery timelines.

Education and Experience

To secure a Manufacturing Manager job in the UK, candidates are typically expected to hold a degree or HND in a relevant field such as:

• Manufacturing Engineering

• Production Management

• Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

• Operations or Business Management

Practical experience gained through supervisory or production roles is highly valued, and many professionals progress through positions such as Production Supervisor, Shift Manager, or Operations Engineer before moving into management.

Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and modern ERP systems can also give candidates a competitive edge in today’s market.

Career Progression and Opportunities

Manufacturing Management offers excellent long-term career prospects. With experience, you can progress to roles such as Operations Manager, Plant Manager, or Head of Manufacturing. There are also opportunities to specialise in areas such as process improvement, quality management, or supply chain operations.

As the UK manufacturing sector continues to evolve with automation, sustainability, and digital transformation, skilled managers are increasingly in demand across multiple industries.

Explore our latest Manufacturing Manager jobs and start your next chapter today.