Manufacturing Manager

Manufacturing Manager
We design and manufacture highly innovative sensor technology for the rail industry, working in small, specialist teams where engineering excellence, precision and collaboration truly matter. Our environments are agile, technically complex and hands-on - perfect for an experienced Manufacturing Manager who enjoys being close to the detail while influencing the bigger picture.
If you've built your career in niche manufacturing settings and love leading teams through growth, change and continuous improvement, this could be your next challenge.
As Manufacturing Manager, you'll lead manufacturing operations across two sites in Romsey and Derby, with overall responsibility for delivery, quality, cost and capability. Reporting into the Manufacturing & Quality Director, you'll work closely with Engineering, Project Management and Supply Chain teams to ensure customer projects are delivered efficiently, safely and to the highest quality standards.
This is a role for someone who thrives in technically complex, low-volume / high-precision manufacturing, and who enjoys balancing strategic oversight with day-to-day problem solving.
What You'll Be Doing
Leading manufacturing operations across two UK sites, ensuring on-time delivery of customer projects
Working closely with Project Managers and Engineers to track progress, manage risk and resolve issues early
Owning production performance, ensuring teams work to standard times and deliver against cost, quality and schedule targets
Developing manufacturing processes that are repeatable, robust and continuously improving
Supporting the introduction of new products and processes, embedding quality from day one
Driving lean manufacturing principles, DFMA, FMEA and other best-practice methodologies
Managing internal capacity and outsourcing to meet short- and long-term demand
Building capable, flexible teams through strong communication, coaching and development

You're an experienced Manufacturing or Production Manager with a strong engineering foundation, ideally gained in small, innovative or specialist manufacturing environments.
You're comfortable wearing multiple hats, enjoy being close to the operation, and take pride in developing people as much as processes.
You'll bring:
Proven production or manufacturing management experience in a high-technology or complex engineering environment
A strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems
Hands-on problem-solving skills and a data-led mindset
Experience using Lean, Six Sigma, Total Quality or similar methodologies
The ability to work collaboratively across engineering, projects and leadership teams
A degree (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related discipline

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there's something for everyone to get stuck into. And that's where you come in.

Competitive salary
Potential opportunity for annual performance related bonus
25 days holiday
Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%
Private medical insurance
Personal Accident insurance
Group Income protection
Group Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Programme
We also offer additional perks for you to choose from within a flexible plan that will meet your specific needs and lifestyle.
#LI-GF1
Thank you for your interest in Hitachi Rail. If your application is of interest, we will be in contact. Please do not hesitate to discover more about us and our latest jobs at .
At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
We would be delighted if you would be one of our followers at