Associate Factory Manager

About the role

The Associate Factory Manager will lead a large joinery manufacturing operation of over 700 workers, overseeing the production of display cases, bespoke interiors and other joinery products. The role focuses on improving efficiency, quality and capacity while aligning the plant with European manufacturing standards.

Key responsibilities

• Enhance existing processes, propose mechanisation and drive continuous improvement across the production cycle.
• Manage daily shop‑floor activities, monitor workload of all sections (assembly, milling, veneer, polishing, upholstery, etc.) and ensure smooth operations.
• Develop and adjust production schedules in liaison with supervisors, allocating work and tracking progress.
• Oversee new product development, selecting machines, tools, fixtures and inspection methods.
• Raise standards of housekeeping, health & safety, product handling and planning to European levels.
• Increase capacity efficiently, improve product quality and optimise machining processes.
• Coordinate with Metal, Purchasing, Stores, Logistics, H&S and other support functions.
• Lead staff selection, performance management, training and development to meet business goals.

Required profile

• 10–15 years of experience in factory management within a large furniture or joinery manufacturing company.
• Proactive, self‑driven leader with strong people‑management skills capable of supervising 700+ workers.
• Deep technical knowledge of joinery construction, timber, veneers, finishing procedures and woodworking machinery.
• Solid understanding of capacity management and Lean manufacturing principles.

Required skills

• CNC laser and CNC machining
• Woodworking machinery operation
• Production scheduling
• Capacity management
• Lean manufacturing
• Machining process optimisation