Manufacturing Group Leader

Are you passionate about leading teams and driving performance? Howdens are looking for Manufacturing Group Leaders to play a key role in ensuring our operations run smoothly and efficiently, always keeping Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and People (SQCDP) performance at the core of our service to customers.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will lead a team to meet production targets by managing day-to-day operations in line with our SQCDP metrics. Your focus will be on ensuring safe working practices, delivering high-quality output, managing costs, meeting delivery targets, and engaging and developing your team.

This is a hands-on role, with your time split between the production floor and office. You’ll work cross-functionally to drive continuous improvement and deliver best-in-class service.

Shift pattern:

• There are 2 shift patterns available:
  • 5x8 hour shifts - 07:45-16:15 Monday to Thursday, Friday 05:45-14:00
  • 4x10 hour shifts - 05:45-16:15 Monday to Wednesday, Thursday 05:45-15:45 
• This role includes a rotating night shift, where you will be expected to cover nights 1 week in every 5. Night shifts are 16:00-02:30 Monday to Wednesday and Thursday 15:45-01:30 
• Occasionally, you may be asked to cover additional night shifts to support holiday cover

What you’ll be doing as a Manufacturing Group Leader:

• Champion a safety-first culture. Conduct regular safety audits, ensure SOPs and risk assessments are up to date, and lead incident/near-miss investigations to prevent recurrence
• Monitor and uphold product and process quality standards, ensuring customer requirements are met through robust quality checks and team training
• Manage production efficiency by analysing KPI and OEE data to identify cost-saving opportunities, reduce waste, and maximise resource utilisation
• Plan and prioritise production to meet warehouse and customer demand, proactively resolving issues that could impact service levels
• Lead, develop, and support your team. Provide coaching, performance feedback, and training to foster capability, accountability, and engagement
• Work collaboratively across shifts and departments (e.g. maintenance) to minimise downtime and support smooth handovers

What do you need to qualify for the Manufacturing Group Leader:

• Experience working within a leadership role in a manufacturing environment
• A proven track record of implementing continuous improvement processes and working knowledge of lean manufacturing processes
• Experience managing KPI and quality control plans
• Experience of applying health and safety procedures within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong problem solving, influencing and change management skills

What we can offer:

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
• Free parking and daily lunch at on site canteen
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays per year & opportunity to buy extra holidays
• Fantastic staff discounts
• Share save scheme
• Exceptional reward and recognition events

About Howdens

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe and employ more than 11,000 employees.  Last year our sales reached over £2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda. 

As well as the opportunity to develop within a high-profile company, you will be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply:

We are building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career, then we are keen to hear from you.

We are working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

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