Manufacturing Manager

Job Title: Manufacturing Manager

Location: Rochester – Onsite

Salary: Up to £56,000 depending on skills and experience + bonus

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

As a Manufacturing Manager you will be reporting to the Operations Manager. The Manufacturing Manager is responsible for leading and managing manufacturing operations to deliver safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people objectives.

They provide leadership and guidance to Production Leaders, Team Leaders, and manufacturing teams, ensuring operational excellence, continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction. The role drives performance through effective resource planning, people development, problem solving, and execution of business strategy.

Core duties:

• Lead a safety culture and ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
• Deliver manufacturing performance against SQCDP (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, People) objectives
• Ensure products are manufactured in accordance with customer, regulatory, and company requirements
• Lead, coach, and develop Production Leaders and manufacturing teams
• Promote Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Manage labour, equipment, materials, and capacity planning
• Build effective relationships across Operations, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Programmes, and Customers

Essential Skills:

• Significant experience within a manufacturing leadership environment
• Experience leading multiple teams through first-line leaders
• Experience managing safety, quality, cost, and delivery performance
• Experience managing performance and developing people
• Regulated manufacturing experience

The Electronic Systems Team:

As part of one of the world’s leading defence, security and aerospace companies, you will be part of the development and supply of products across a diverse mix of commercial and military platforms, from Head Up and Helmet Mounted Displays on the military aircraft, Safety Critical Pilot Control and Flight Control System for civil airliners and Hybrid Power Systems for public transport vehicles.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 20th October 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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