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

• Analyse existing processes, propose mechanisation and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Oversee the full production cycle, create and adjust schedules, and allocate work in collaboration with shop‑floor supervisors.
• Manage CNC laser, CNC machining and other modern equipment to optimise quality and productivity.
• Lead new product development planning, including selection of machines, tools, fixtures and inspection methods.
• Raise the plant’s housekeeping, health & safety, and product‑handling practices to European levels.
• Increase capacity efficiently while improving product quality and manufacturing methods.
• Resolve technical bottlenecks and drive continuous‑improvement projects.
• Coordinate with metal, purchasing, stores, logistics, and H&S functions.
• Handle staff recruitment, performance management, training and development to ensure a skilled workforce.

Required profile

• 10‑15 years of experience in factory management within a large furniture or joinery manufacturing company.
• Pro‑active, self‑driven leader with strong man‑management skills capable of supervising 700+ employees.
• Deep technical knowledge of woodworking, case‑good construction, finishes, timber, veneers and related machinery.
• Solid understanding of capacity management and Lean manufacturing principles.

Required skills

• CNC laser operation
• CNC machining
• Modern woodworking machinery
• Production scheduling
• Capacity management
• Lean manufacturing
• Quality optimisation
• Finishing techniques and adhesives

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead a large, technically sophisticated manufacturing site.
• Scope to implement European‑level best practices.
• Professional growth in a dynamic, high‑capacity environment.