Head of Manufacturing

Company Overview

Hydrokem Aerosols, based in Wirral, specialize in producing aerosol and bag-on-valve products serving diverse sectors such as personal care, healthcare/medical devices, veterinary, household, automotive, and technical markets. The company is part of Clinimed Holding Limited, established in 1982, which encompasses multiple subsidiary companies.

Position Overview

The Head of Manufacturing will oversee the entire operational functionality of a vibrant production facility. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this crucial leader will manage daily operations to maximize productivity, ensure compliance with health and safety standards, maintain high-quality benchmarks, and promote continuous site-wide improvements.

This role requires close collaboration with cross-departmental teams—including technical, engineering, finance, and quality assurance—to enhance efficiency and operational excellence. It is a leadership position demanding hands-on involvement and a robust engineering background paired with a zeal for operational enhancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Exhibit visionary leadership by managing all manufacturing plant functions, fostering ongoing improvement and operational excellence.
• Drive continuous enhancements in productivity, quality, and operational efficiency in alignment with business key performance indicators.
• Lead and motivate a diverse workforce including both permanent production staff and temporary agency personnel, promoting teamwork and high engagement levels.
• Ensure smooth operational collaboration between engineering, quality assurance, technical, and finance divisions to fulfill company goals.
• Advance Lean Six Sigma principles throughout the site, nurturing an ongoing culture of process improvement.
• Recruit, develop, and empower a high-achieving team focused on responsibility, ownership, and career progression.
• Manage critical human resource functions including annual performance reviews, capability evaluations, and disciplinary or grievance processes.
• Maintain strict compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations across all operations.
• Oversee operational budgeting to achieve cost efficiency, promptly resolving discrepancies.
• Partner with the Engineering team to lead major process improvements and capital investment projects.
• Engage sincerely with staff at all company levels, supporting workforce engagement and wellbeing initiatives.
• Prioritize and handle competing operational demands effectively to optimize machine use and output.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in manufacturing operations management within fast-evolving environments demonstrating flexibility and resilience.
• Strong engineering foundation in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical disciplines, with solid knowledge of production methods.
• Established leadership skills with experience in team motivation, development, and management of both permanent and agency personnel.
• Hands-on expertise applying Lean Six Sigma methods to achieve continuous measurable process improvements.
• Comprehensive experience in human resources management including performance assessments, capability reviews, and handling disciplinary and grievance issues.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and decision-making abilities with strong influencing skills across organizational tiers.
• Previous involvement as a key contributor in a Senior Leadership Team driving strategic and operational success.