Associate Factory Manager - Joinery Manufacturing

About the role

The Assistant Factory Manager manages and grows the manufacturing operations of a joinery factory employing over 700 workers, producing display cases and bespoke interiors and joinery products for the joinery division. The role covers shop-floor management, production planning, quality and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Enhance efficiency of existing processes and facilities, proposing improvements and mechanisation across the production cycle
• Manage the shop floor daily, monitor workload across sections and ensure smooth running of activities
• Draw up production schedules, allocate work and adjust them as needed, liaising with shop-floor supervisors
• Oversee new product development planning, selection of machines, tools, fixtures and inspection methods
• Improve manufacturing standards to match European facilities (housekeeping, good practices, product handling, health and safety, planning and organisation)
• Increase capacity efficiently, improve product quality and manufacturing methods, and resolve technical challenges and bottlenecks on the shop floor
• Lead continuous improvement activities and coordinate relationships with metal, purchasing, stores, logistics and H&S functions
• Manage staff selection, performance, development and training

Required profile

• Minimum 10 to 15 years of experience in a factory management role at a large furniture and joinery manufacturer
• Self-driven, proactive, with strong leadership of a workforce of over 700 workers
• Strong technical and execution capability, with good understanding of capacity management
• Sound knowledge of woodworking, joinery and case goods, timber and veneers, and woodworking machinery
• Understanding of Lean manufacturing and ability to implement change
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a multinational environment

Required skills

• Planning and resource allocation
• Manufacturing in architectural joinery, including sourcing refurbishing machinery
• Production support functions
• Microsoft Office and AutoCAD; ERP experience is an added advantage