Head of Manufacturing

Head of Manufacturing | Wallasey | Up to £80,000 + Performance-Related Bonus

Lead Manufacturing Excellence. Drive Performance. Shape the Future.

Hydrokem are looking for an ambitious and experienced Head of Manufacturing to lead our manufacturing operations and play a key role in the continued success and growth of our business.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a senior leadership position with full responsibility for operational performance across our busy manufacturing site. You'll have the opportunity to influence business strategy, drive cultural transformation, improve productivity, and lead a high-performing team in a fast-paced environment.

This role is ideally suited to a hands-on operational leader with a strong engineering background, a passion for continuous improvement, and a proven track record of delivering measurable results through people, processes, and performance.

Please note: Previous applicants need not apply.

What You'll Be Doing

As Head of Manufacturing, you will be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of the plant while driving a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities of the Head of Manufacturing

• Lead, manage, and continuously improve all manufacturing operations across the site.
• Drive productivity, quality, efficiency, and service levels in line with business objectives and KPIs.
• Embed Lean Six Sigma principles and foster a culture of continuous improvement throughout the business.
• Lead, coach, and develop a diverse workforce, including both permanent employees and agency staff.
• Work closely with Engineering, Technical, Quality, and Finance teams to optimise operational performance.
• Champion employee engagement initiatives and drive positive cultural change.
• Manage operational budgets, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure effective resource utilisation.
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Lead performance management processes, including annual reviews, capability management, disciplinary, and grievance matters.
• Support and deliver major engineering and capital improvement projects.
• Manage competing operational priorities while maximising plant and equipment utilisation.
• Build strong working relationships across all levels of the business and naturally engage with employees to support a positive workplace culture.

Skills & Experience Required

• A minimum of 5 years' experience in a senior manufacturing or operations leadership role.
• A strong engineering background (Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering).
• Proven success in driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency programmes.
• Extensive people management experience, including coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
• Demonstrable experience implementing positive culture change and employee engagement initiatives.
• Lean Six Sigma expertise with a strong track record of delivering measurable improvements.
• Experience managing both permanent and temporary/agency workforces.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience managing operational budgets.
• Previous experience as part of a Senior Leadership Team.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and decision-making skills.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving manufacturing environment.
• Experience within the chemical manufacturing sector would be advantageous, although not essential.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established and forward-thinking manufacturing business where you'll have genuine influence and autonomy to make a lasting impact.

You'll be joining a supportive leadership team committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and investing in its people.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of up to £80,000
• Performance-related bonus
• 25 days annual leave plus 1 gifted company day
• Option to purchase up to 3 additional days' holiday
• Christmas factory shutdown
• Company pension scheme
• Accident insurance
• Simply Health and Unum Help@Hand
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Free on-site parking
• Hydrokem Social Day

Ready for Your Next Challenge?

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a successful and growing manufacturing business in a key leadership role.

If you have the experience, drive, and vision to lead operational performance and deliver lasting change, submit your application today for immediate consideration.