Department Manager (Vial Production)

What is the job?

Managing the glass vial production department and production team to manufacture precision glass sensors.

What is a Precision Glass Sensor Vial?

They are highly accurate precision ground glass vials used to measure and detect small changes in angle, usually as part of an opto-electronic sensor system. The process for making them is very specialised and they have very high requirements for quality and performance. We are world leaders in the production of this type of product.

Why does the role exist?

We have been making steady engineering improvements to the product and manufacturing processes with new specialised automation equipment. Continued improvement is needed in this department over the coming months and years to bring all aspects of it in line with the company’s goals. New leadership is needed support the operations manager to carry that forward.

What does the role involve?

• Leading a team of ~10 experienced production technicians. This includes HR responsibilities such as recruitment & selection, performance management, training & development, 1-2-1s and career progression (supported by the HR Manager)
• Ensuring products are made on time, on cost and to the required quality standards (supported by the operations manager)
• Ensuring that the department 5s, training, continuous improvement initiatives, H&S, quality and equipment all exceed the required standards (supported by the department engineers, H&S Manager and quality engineer)

Who is the ideal candidate?

No candidate is likely to have experience of manufacturing precision vials, so learning about the product and manufacturing process will happen on the job. But to make that possible we are looking for someone with:

• A good foundation of engineering skills and experience with a technical mindset and analytical and methodical approach
• Exposure to a wide range of manufacturing techniques with the ability to learn new skills quickly
• Experience of managing a production team
• The ability to deliver and sustain change
• Work and aspire to very high standards and set that expectation from the team
• Excellent computer skills, and the ability and desire to learn new skills as required

What are we offering?

• Full time permanent role, Monday to Friday (39 hrs per week)
• Competitive salary
• Performance bonus (up to 10% of salary)
• Semi-flexible work hours
• Company pension scheme
• 32 days holiday (including public holidays)
• A friendly and professional work environment
• A supportive senior management team
• Career progression opportunities and training

Are you a good fit for this role, and genuinely interested in this position?

If you think you have the applicable experience, and are looking for a challenge, this is a superb opportunity to continue to develop your career, we are very keen to hear from you. Please contact us [email protected] if you would like a copy of the full job description.