Manufacturing Optimisation Manager

THE ROLE:

[Employer hidden] Systems is entering an exciting phase of operational development as we continue to strengthen our manufacturing capability as part of the Inwido Group, Europe’s leading window manufacturer.

We are seeking a Manufacturing Optimisation Manager to be based from our Ashton-under-Lyne location to help shape and embed a structured Continuous Improvement framework across our manufacturing operation. This is a high-impact role focused on improving productivity, efficiency and operational performance through data-driven decision making, structured problem solving and the development of strong Continuous Improvement capability across the business.

The Manufacturing Optimisation Manager will lead the design, development and embedding of a structured Continuous Improvement framework across Manufacturing.

This role will establish the operating systems, governance and cultural foundations required to drive sustainable performance improvement across productivity, quality, safety, service and cost.

Operating at both strategic and operational levels, the role will combine hands-on problem solving with long-term capability building. The postholder will work through influence rather than direct line management authority, partnering closely with Production, Planning, Quality and Engineering to unlock performance.

This is a high-impact, change-led role that will shape how operational excellence is defined, delivered and sustained at Dekko.

Shift Pattern/Working Hours:

• Monday to Thursday, 8.30 – 16.30
• Friday 08.30 – 16.00
• 30-minute unpaid lunch break each day.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Performance Leadership

• Drive measurable daily, weekly and monthly performance improvements across manufacturing operations.
• Establish robust KPI visibility and performance routines across throughput, labour efficiency, right-first-time, waste, downtime and OTIF.
• Lead structured problem-solving activity using recognised methodologies including 5 Whys, Ishikawa, A3 and Root Cause Analysis.
• Ensure data-driven decision making becomes embedded within operational leadership.

Operational Excellence

• Evaluate production flow, constraints and bottlenecks to maximise efficiency and stability.
• Conduct time studies, capacity analysis and line-balancing reviews to validate improvement opportunities.
• Partner with Planning to optimise labour deployment and machine utilisation.
• Support automation and equipment enhancement initiatives that deliver measurable gains in productivity and quality.
• Introduce standard work, visual management and process control mechanisms to improve repeatability and reduce variation.

People & Culture

• Coach and mentor team leaders and managers in continuous improvement tools and behaviours.
• Promote a culture of accountability, transparency and fact-based decision making.
• Influence and guide leadership and teams through change, managing resistance constructively and professionally.
• Communicate CI progress, successes and learning to build engagement and momentum.
• Embed a culture where improvement is owned at all levels, not dependent on a single function.

Build the CI Function

• Develop and implement a structured CI strategy, roadmap and maturity model aligned to Dekko’s growth ambitions.
• Establish CI governance, tools, templates and reporting standards.
• Create a clear improvement pipeline and prioritisation methodology.
• Embed CI capability through training materials, coaching frameworks and onboarding support.
• Develop internal CI champions to support long-term cultural sustainability.

Lead Improvement Projects

• Identify, prioritise and deliver high-impact improvement initiatives across production, quality, logistics and support functions.
• Lead cross-functional teams through structured Kaizen and improvement workshops.
• Apply Lean and problem-solving tools including 5S, SMED, VSM, Standard Work and waste elimination methodologies.
• Quantify, validate and report tangible benefits including cost reduction, scrap reduction, service improvement, labour efficiency and capacity gain.

Process Standardisation & Governance

• Document and standardise critical manufacturing processes and SOPs.
• Implement audit mechanisms to ensure improvements are sustained and embedded.
• Drive accountability for adherence to standard work and operational discipline.

Change Leadership and Culture

• Influence and guide leaders and teams through operational change.
• Promote transparency, performance ownership and structured problem solving.
• Build a culture of continuous learning, accountability and operational excellence.
• Communicate CI successes and progress to reinforce engagement and momentum.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Proven experience in a Continuous Improvement, Lean, Operational Excellence or Manufacturing Performance role.
• Demonstrable experience building or embedding CI foundations including systems, governance and cultural change.
• Strong working knowledge of Lean tools including Kaizen, 5S, SMED, VSM and Standard Work.
• Strong analytical capability with a data-driven approach to decision making.
• Experience leading structured workshops and influencing stakeholders at all organisational levels.
• Excellent communication, coaching and facilitation skills.
• Strong project management capability with a track record of delivering measurable results.

Desirable

• Experience within high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience implementing OEE systems or digital performance tools.
• Exposure to ISO standards, quality systems, health and safety and regulatory compliance frameworks.

Key Behaviours

• Hands-on and action-oriented.
• Collaborative and influential.
• Resilient with strong change leadership capability.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into practical delivery.
• Passionate about developing people and building sustainable operational excellence.

Apply now by submitting your CV and cover letter to [contact hidden]