Manufacturing Manager

Company Profile Location: Waterbeach, UK

Department: Production

Reports to: Operations Director

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Thermoteknix Systems Ltd, founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge, is a world leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and augmented reality systems. Our award-winning technologies are trusted by defence, security, and industrial customers in over 70 countries. With in-house R&D, cutting-edge innovation, and a global reputation for quality, we design and manufacture solutions that perform in the toughest environments.

About You Thermoteknix is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Manufacturing Manager to lead and develop all manufacturing and production operations across the business. The role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, high-quality and scalable production of advanced thermal imaging and sensing systems, supporting both current programmes and future growth.

The successful candidate will oversee production planning, manufacturing, assembly, test operations, supply chain coordination, quality performance and continuous improvement initiatives. They will play a key leadership role in delivering operational excellence within a high-technology, regulated manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities Production Leadership

• Lead daily production activities to achieve delivery, quality and efficiency targets.
• Ensure manufacturing schedules are executed effectively to meet customer demand.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to support smooth production operations.
• Drive accountability and performance across all production areas.
• Support new product introduction and transition into manufacturing.

Manufacturing & Operations

• Oversee manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient and cost-effective production.
• Oversee purchasing and supplier coordination to maintain continuity of supply.
• Ensure ERP/MRP systems are effectively utilised to support operations.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks affecting delivery or product quality.
• Monitor operational KPI’s and implement corrective action where required.

Quality & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with quality, regulatory, and health and safety standards.
• Ensure manufacturing processes meet ISO and customer quality requirements.
• Support audit readiness and continuous compliance across operations.
• Promote a culture of quality and process discipline throughout manufacturing.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Drive lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives.
• Improve production flow, capacity utilisation, and on time delivery performance.
• Analyse operational data to support informed decision-making and improvement actions.
• Lead change initiatives that support business growth and scalability.
• Support automation and digital manufacturing initiatives where appropriate.

People Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop manufacturing and operational teams.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and high-performance working environment.
• Support employee development through coaching and performance management.
• Ensure effective communication across departments and operational teams.
• Promote employee engagement and adherence to company values.

Commercial & Strategic Contribution

• Contribute to operational strategy and long-term business objectives.
• Support cost control and margin improvement initiatives across manufacturing.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to support growth and investment planning.
• Align manufacturing capability with customer and commercial requirements.
• Provide operational insight and reporting to support strategic decision-making.
• Liaise with commercial teams to align manufacturing capacity with customer demand forecasts.

Required Experience

• Proven leadership experience running a manufacturing environment with highly configurable products.
• Strong understanding of production planning, purchasing, and supply chain operations.
• Experience managing operational performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of quality systems, compliance, and manufacturing best practices.
• Extensive experience working with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing KPIs.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary production teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working within ISO-regulated environments.
• Engineering or technical degree qualification.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within defence, aerospace, electronics, or high-technology manufacturing.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience managing low-volume, high-complexity production environments.
• Experience in evaluating, selection and implementation of a new ERP/MPR system.
• Experience supporting NPI (New Product Introduction).
• Familiarity with regulated or export-controlled manufacturing operations.
• Engineering or technical manufacturing background preferred.

Why us? What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead manufacturing operations within an innovative and globally respected advanced technology business.
• Significant scope to shape manufacturing capability, manufacturing systems, and future production strategy.
• Exposure to cutting-edge thermal imaging, sensing, and defence technologies.
• Competitive senior-level salary, performance-related bonus, pension contribution, and benefits package.
• Professional development and long-term career growth opportunities within a rapidly evolving technology environment.