Careers

Main Purpose of the role
To coordinate timely manufacture & assembly of equipment on a daily basis to meet agreed deadlines for production (WIP) schedule. Ensure assembly standards for right first time, efficiency, cost and service level are consistently achieved. Support delivery of improved product margins. Provide effective communication with other departments and Operations Team. Provide fast resolution to any issues raised by manufacturing & assembly teams and must operate and behave in a manner which supports the core values of the business.

Primary Responsibilities

• Work as part of the Operations management team to optimise all manufacturing and logistics activities logistics the factory.
• Lead new product introductions by collaborating with Procurement, Design, Quality and Assembly—and ensuring Health & Safety compliance.
• Standardise operating procedures across Poole and Woodgate sites to foster seamless collaboration and a unified work culture.
• Analyse, refine and implement production methods—including assembly aids, work instructions, route cards and floor layouts—to maximise throughput and efficiency.
• Define, track and drive key performance indicators (e.g. RFT, OTIF, cost-efficiency, service levels), setting and achieving continuous-improvement targets.
• Maintain and enhance Poole’s management systems to uphold Ishida quality standards and disciplined manufacturing practices.
• Investigate and resolve quality and manufacturing issues, exercising authority over inbound materials and outgoing equipment.
• Develop and justify equipment investment proposals, complete with budget analyses and ROI forecasts.
• Plan, monitor and report on project timelines for product transfers and improvement initiatives, highlighting risks and milestones for senior leadership.
• Estimate manufacturing cycle times, plan staged improvements, and assess impacts on margin, staffing and deadlines.
• Apply forward capacity planning to estimate future manufacturing requirements and eliminate any constraints in the manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Ensure packaging specifications are maintained for all machines & products.
• Lead regular performance reviews with direct reports and implement action plans to drive team development.
• Provide timely operational reports and analyses to management as requested.
• Champion ongoing skills development by designing and delivering training in lean tools, communication and technical competencies for all manufacturing teams.
• Oversee compliance with all regulatory and Health & Safety requirements, conduct risk assessments and promote a proactive safety culture (e.g. hazard spotting, dynamic risk assessments).
• Monitor emerging technologies and lean best practices, recommending improvements and sharing insights organisation-wide.
• Actively contribute to the company’s continuous-improvement programme and ensure best-practice production standards are embedded.
• Enforce a factory-wide 5S scheme to maintain organised, efficient workspaces.
• Manage ISO audit preparations, documentation and implementation of corrective actions.
• Escalate HR or Health & Safety concerns to senior management and coordinate follow-up actions.
• Oversee maintenance of manufacturing equipment and promptly address facility requests and issues as they arise.
• Act as the primary liaison with the security provider to ensure the safety and security of the Poole units.

Standards of Performance

The following are the minimum performance standards expected by the company:

• Consistently achieve ‘Right First Time (RFT)’ performance against schedules and time scale targets.
• Consistently achieve ‘On Time in Full (OTIF)’
• Continually encourage all team members to take added responsibility to support and deliver suggestions and contributions towards continual improvement initiatives.
• Expected to exercise considerable independent judgement, the role demands a very visible individual throughout the Company
• Deliver targeted improvement projects on regular basis with reductions in cost and increase in service/quality levels
• To constantly challenge and “upgrade” current working methods to achieve greater productivity with no loss in service and quality.
• To ensure that Ishida standards are upheld at all times.
• To ensure that the spend remains within budget.
• To communicate and collaborate as required with all other departments involved in the production process.
• To manage the training and development of the Poole team.
• To approach all objectives, tasks and communication with positive enthusiasm.
• Able to travel between sites as required to facilitate effective collaboration and provide management support.

What skills are we looking for?

The successful candidate must have experience within operations management, a strong background in production management, production planning, project management, and shopfloor management is essential. The role requires someone with a high level of attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills, who can work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines. A proactive, can-do attitude and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously are also key requirements. Experience with ERP systems is desirable, though a willingness to learn with appropriate support will be considered.

The ideal candidate will have a natural ability to lead and inspire others, with proven experience managing multiple departments at an operational level. They will be capable of involving and motivating teams in the drive for continuous improvement and operational success. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, combined with a hands-on approach to management, will ensure alignment with our company’s goals and values. Proficient in Microsoft Office, with the ability to create clear and engaging reports and presentations and must be confident in delivering presentations to senior management and direct reports.

Applications should be submitted by the close of 8 August 2025

Are you interested in this opportunity?

If you would like an informal conversation about the role before applying, please contact James Allen discuss with your manager and then apply using the link in the email.