Scott's Monthly Pick Of The Bunch - Manufacture

This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic and strategic Head of Operations to join a European leading business, where making a difference to people’s lives through the products that they design, manufacture and install is a daily occurrence. With 40 years’ experience under their belt, they are a leading provider in the UK, a market leader in Europe and have a presence in many other countries worldwide. They continue to expand rapidly in the UK and internationally, a business that has doubled in size these last few years.

They are proud of their fast-paced and dynamic manufacturing environment, where customer satisfaction and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything that they do.

Head of Operations, Salary, Hours and Benefits

• £80,000 - £90,000+
• Car allowance
• Management Bonus Scheme
• 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 3:00pm (with some flexibility)
• 23 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Life insurance cover
• Employee Assistance Programme

Essential Requirements

• Proven Head of Operations / Operations Director experience within Manufacturing.
• Experience of working for a business circa 50 million+ turnover.
• An Engineering background, someone who has risen through a business.
• Very much hands-on, but also strategic.
• A business qualification would be advantageous. 
• Deep understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Commercially astute with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.

Head of Operations Key Responsibilities

• The Head of Operations will provide strong, strategic leadership across operational functions to drive high performance and collaboration.
• Championing a proactive Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality culture.
• Maintaining profitability during rapid business expansion.
• Using data-driven KPIs and metrics to guide planning and decision-making.
• Driving Lean Manufacturing and operational efficiency - championing a zero-defect mindset to improve overall quality standards.
• Leading and developing the Engineering function.
• Managing growth across international operations.
• Implementing effective production workflows to boost productivity and minimise waste.
• Taking ownership of the post-sales process to enhance cross-team collaboration and service delivery.
• Identifying cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality - embedding a culture of continuous improvement across all teams.

This is your chance to join a global leader in heavy machinery design / bulk materials handling equipment, supplying innovative solutions to the mining and quarrying sectors for over four decades. With operations in over 10 countries and a reputation for cutting-edge engineering, the company is driving sustainable efficiency across some of the world’s most demanding industrial environments.

You’ll be part of a close-knit, highly skilled team shaping the future of bulk materials handling through precision engineering, robust innovation, and international collaboration. This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact within a specialist engineering business that blends heritage, technical excellence, and a forward-looking vision.

Role Location: Located offshore in the British Isles.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer with a background in Bulk Materials Handling / Machine Design to contribute to the design, development, and optimization of the company engineering solutions. This role requires strong technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration with global teams. International travel will be required for site visits, client engagement, and project support.

Role Location: Located offshore in the British Isles.

Mechanical Engineer Pay and Benefits

• Salary £55,000 - £85,000
• Working Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm with flexibility (100% office-based role)
• Realistic career progression / career growth opportunities
• 10% employer pension
• Performance related bonus (company/individual)
• Relocation package
• Company will support Work Permits requirements where required 

Mechanical Engineer Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in product design within the Mining Industry / Bulk Materials Handling or similar. 
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and engineering analysis tools (FEA, DEM, CFD, etc.).
• Strong understanding of mechanical principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, or automation systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create technical drawings and specifications.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally for project and client interactions.

Mechanical Engineer Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for engineering projects.
• Conduct engineering calculations, simulations (FEA, DEM), and performance analyses.
• Work closely with design, manufacturing, and project teams to ensure seamless execution.
• Provide technical support for ongoing projects and client requirements.
• Oversee the testing, validation, and commissioning of mechanical systems.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.
• Collaborate with international teams, suppliers, and clients to optimize engineering solutions.
• Assist in troubleshooting and improving existing products and processes.
• Participate in international travel for site visits, project discussions, and technical support.

We’re working with a market-leading manufacturer and supply chain partner specializing in reusable plastic container systems — a growing segment at the heart of sustainable logistics and circular economy initiatives.

The company operates across the UK and international markets, supplying reusable packaging solutions to some of the world’s most recognizable retailers and food producers. It combines innovative product design with a strong operational footprint and a commitment to reducing single-use packaging waste.

Toolmaker Hours, Pay and Benefits

• Salary £40,000 (including shift allowance)
• Working hours. There are two options: 10:00am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday or 2:00pm -10:00pm Monday to Friday
• 25 days holiday, plus statutory
• Sick pay based on length of service, up to 24 weeks

Toolmaker Role Purpose 

The Toolmaker will repair and service the moulding machine tools, and related equipment, in a timely and efficient manner.

Commutable From: Leicester, Corby, Peterborough, and Grantham. 

Candidate Requirements

• Time served toolmaker – for insurance purposes, Apprenticeship / Qualifications have to be from the UK
• Proven Injection Mould / Plastics experience. 
• Electrical experience is an advantage but not a necessity.
• Experienced in the operation of toolmaking equipment, eg grinders, lathes, machining.
• CNC Machining centre experience an advantage.
• A base understanding on pneumatics and hydraulics.
• Ability to understand technical drawings.
• Computer literate.

Toolmaker Key Responsibilities

• Build, repair and maintain tooling
• Work to fine tolerances
• Prove tooling and troubleshoot until running acceptably - target to enable the tools to run "right first-time" in a production environment
• Able to understand technical drawings
• Liaise with operational staff to understand tooling related issues
• Maintenance of machinery on site
• General tool making tasks
• To be flexible in a “breakdown” scenario

Company

With nearly 50 years of experience behind them, this is a global company that continues to grow, having doubled in size over the last five years. They consider themselves to be agile and highly innovative, embracing the technology associated within the industry.  The business has a strong family culture which provides a positive working environment where employees feel valued and trusted. They are big advocates of personal development, growth and progression, with many success stories of this across the company. 

Salary, Hours and Benefits

• £35,000 - £40,000
• 37.5 hours per week, with some flexibility and an early Friday finish
• The chance to join a very successful, hypergrowth company that offer realistic progression and growth
• Up to 10.5% company pension
• Company bonus
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Cash health plan
• A modern, forward-thinking place to work

Commutable From: Wolverhampton, Walsall, Telford, Shrewsbury, Birmingham

Buyer Role Overview

This is an important role within the Supply Chain Team - it requires a committed and customer focused individual with a supplier centric approach to global multi-site manufacturing. There will be opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of the company products and the Supply Chain. This will involve gaining knowledge of Suppliers, Products, and Global Operational activity. 

You will be proactive and driven to support the business units to generate growth through your pragmatic and imaginative approach to their Procurement and Supply Chain activity. The Buyer – Manufacturing position reports directly into the Purchasing Manager, operating within a team covering all procurement processes for the organisation. 

As part of a small team, the business requires an experienced Buyer - Manufacturing to bring professionalism and critical thinking to the Purchasing Department. A critical part of the company growth strategy will be focused on the ability of the department to evolve the existing supply chain and remain agile.

The right candidate is expected to be confident in buying for all areas but will specifically need to be familiar and confident with manufacturing procurement. 

You will be expected to work with many stakeholders including Production, Stores, Engineering and Project Management to achieve the best business outcomes.

Buyer – Manufacturing Candidate Requirements 

• Proven experience of a fast-paced manufacturing procurement, including a familiarisation of working with BoMs and ability to interpret technical drawings.
• Ability to work, tactically and operationally, with commercial and financial acumen, including sound analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Proven negotiation skills, contract management and the ability to forge relationships across all levels of the business. You will also have a proven track record of being accountable across a variety of roles within Procurement.
• High work ethic with strong focus on excellent customer service.
• Good presentation and communication skills, with a high level of Excel competency. 
• Able to interpret technical / safety regulatory information.
• Clean UK driving license require with a willingness to travel (not too frequently). 
• A strong culture fit – with a bias for action, accountability and teamwork.
• Unphased by working with a lack of information / ambiguity.

Buyer – Manufacturing Key Responsibilities

• Manage spend on various categories across multiple manufacturing sites taking a sustainable supplier centric approach.
• Negotiate stock holding agreements or other methods to enable smooth materials flow.
• Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain to maximise customer order delivery success.
• Effective communication of any parts availability risk ensuring that all options to resolve any availability concern is fully explored and appropriate action taken.
• Purchase Order placement for both system driven manufacturing materials and requisitioned parts.
• Identify and implement process improvements in conjunction with cross-functional project teams.
• Supplier development to support achievement of KPIs.
• Manage vendor performance including involvement with supplier audits.
• Identify potential new suppliers and negotiate best terms from all suppliers.
• Interaction with stakeholders at all levels both internally and externally.
• Involvement with NPD, NPI and engineering change activity and effective co-ordination of suppliers and stock requirements
   

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Toolmaker to join an established, world renown iconic British manufacturer, a trusted name in quality, innovation, and tradition. 

As an employer, it blends deep-rooted values with forward-thinking design and engineering — offering a workplace where craftsmanship, creativity, and pride in product truly matter. 

Employees become part of a legacy that continues to shape the industry. For those who want to work with purpose, in a business respected worldwide for its authenticity and excellence, this is more than a job — it’s a place to grow, contribute, and be proud of what you help build.

Toolmaker Salary, Hours and Benefits

• £45,000 dependant on experience
• 39 hours per week on rotating shifts
   - Week 1: Monday to Thursday 6.00am – 2.00pm, Friday 6.00 – 1.00pm
   - Week 2: Monday to Thursday 2.00pm – 10.00pm, Friday 1.00pm – 8.00pm
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Company performance bonus
• Life Assurance
• Company Sick Pay
• Company discounts
• Free on-site parking

Commutable From: Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Burton upon Trent, Newark

Role Function 

The Toolmaker will be a responsible for the manufacture, maintenance and continuous improvement of production press tooling, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and special purpose machinery.

Toolmaker Candidate Requirements

• Time-served apprentice and NVQ or equivalent in Tool making or Machining
• Strong background in precision engineering and toolroom operations
• Skilled in operating Toolroom machinery (lathes, mills, grinders etc)
• Experience with press tooling, fault diagnosis and tool repair
• Ability to read technical drawings
• CNC experience
• Ability to produce jigs & fixtures
• TIG welding experience desirable or willing to learn

Toolmaker Responsibilities

• Manufacture and modify tooling, jigs, fixtures, and special-purpose machinery
• Interpret and work from engineering drawings to determine the best manufacturing methods
• Operate a full range of Toolroom machinery (milling, turning, grinding, CNC etc)
• Assemble and disassemble press tools, check tolerances and ensure functional performance
• Diagnose faults and carry out effective repairs

Onsite Capabilities

• The Toolroom gives full control over the servicing and quality of company tooling. Equipped with an impressive range of machinery – HURCO 3 Axis CNC Miller, lathes, pillar drills, Lumsden and surface grinders – they can manufacture complex parts and maintain critical press tooling without relying on external suppliers.
• In addition to maintaining existing tooling, the Toolroom team also designs and manufactures bespoke tools, jigs, and fixtures, ensuring precision and reliability in every part of production.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Manual Machinist to join an existing team in their new facility.

The company offer a full Manual Machining Service for products, across Manufacturing, Fabrication and General Engineering.

To be considered for this role, you will be Apprentice Trained, with proven manual machining experience on both Lathes and Milling machines.  

Manual Machinist Role Benefits:

• £36,400 - £40,560 dependant on experience (£17.50 - £19.50 per hour)
• Paid overtime
• Day time shift, 7am – 4pm, Friday’s 8:30am – 3pm (40 hours per week)
• No tools required

This Manual Machinist position is commutable from: Derby, Burton, Nottingham, Ripley, Ashbourne, Matlock, Castle Donington and surrounding areas. 

Manual Machinist Candidate Requirements

• Apprentice trained
• It is essential that you have proven experience of setting and operating manual lathes and milling machines
• Competency in milling, grinding, drilling and lathe work is all essential along with working to tight tolerances
• Experience with sleeving, bushing housings, and stubbing shafts required
• A good attitude to work
• Driving Licence
• No training provided, you must have the above skill set and ability to hit the ground running

Manual Machinist Duties

• You will be required to operate Manual lathes and Milling machines and carry out repairs on various mechanical components from customers. 
• You need to be capable of working to drawings and samples and generate drawings on occasions with the ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team. 
• 50% of the work is working from drawings and 50% repair and breakdowns, where working of your own initiative is essential
• Occasional customer site visits, to discuss future projects and urgent work. Possibly sketch the job if required – transport will be provided.