Manufacturing Manager

• Proven experience in a manufacturing management role, ideally within batch or flow production environments.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices.
• Experience in production planning, resource and capacity management, and stock control.
• Demonstrated leadership capability with the ability to engage, motivate, and develop teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong commitment to quality, health & safety, and operational excellence.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems, with training provided where required.

As Manufacturing Manager at Karndean Designflooring, you will lead and manage all stages of Point of Sale (POS), Boards, and related manufacturing operations across both internal production and third-party suppliers. You will own the end-to-end production lifecycle - from design handover through to finished goods - ensuring a safe, efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective operation.

You will be accountable for driving manufacturing excellence through the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of lean processes. This includes overseeing production planning, resource management, and quality compliance, while working in close partnership with Marketing, Supply Chain, Warehousing, and other key stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination and consistent delivery aligned with Karndean's standards.

How You Will Contribute

• End-to-End POS Production Ownership - own the full POS/Boards production lifecycle, including third-party manufacturing. Drive lean process design and continuous improvement, ensure alignment to brand standards, and manage the manufacturing budget.
• Production Planning & Scheduling - develop production plans to meet demand and service levels. Balance capacity, prioritise workloads, and respond quickly to demand changes.
• Stock Management - maintain accurate stock levels across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods. Control inventory to reduce waste and ensure supply continuity with Supply Chain.
• Resource & Capacity Management - optimise labour, equipment, and capacity. Secure third-party capability, resolve bottlenecks, and support team development and training.
• Quality & Compliance - ensure all outputs meet Karndean standards and ISO 9001 requirements. Own quality systems, audits, and corrective actions.
• Supply Chain & Warehousing Coordination - align production with inbound materials and outbound logistics. Work closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Warehousing.
• Cost & Efficiency Management - control manufacturing costs within budget. Lead efficiency improvements and track key cost and performance drivers.
• Risk & Exception Management - identify and mitigate operational risks. Resolve production issues quickly and support business continuity planning.
• Performance Monitoring & Reporting - track KPIs across safety, quality, service, and cost. Provide clear reporting and data-driven insights to stakeholders.
• Health & Safety - promote a strong safety culture. Ensure compliance with all H&S regulations and lead incident investigations.
• Wider Duties - maintain accurate records, build strong cross-functional relationships, and support wider business needs as required.

What Will Make You Successful in This Role

This role will suit an experienced, commercially minded manufacturing professional with a strong background in end-to-end production leadership within a fast-paced, quality-driven environment.