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 (email address removed)
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
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed