The Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Manufacturing Manager to lead our workshop and off-site production operations. Reporting to the Manufacturing Director, you will play a critical role in delivering safe, efficient and high-quality manufacturing activities across the business.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strong leader with a passion for operational excellence, LEAN manufacturing and continuous improvement. You will be responsible for ensuring products are delivered on time, within budget and fully compliant with quality and safety standards while developing and supporting a high-performing manufacturing team.

Leadership and Management

• Lead, motivate and support manufacturing teams while promoting company values and behaviours.
• Foster a positive safety culture where health, safety and wellbeing are prioritised.
• Set objectives, conduct performance reviews and support training and development plans.
• Encourage effective communication and collaboration across departments.

Manufacturing & Production Management

• Plan and control manufacturing activities to meet programme, cost, quality and safety requirements.
• Align labour and resource planning with business and project demands.
• Drive “right first time” manufacturing through adherence to approved designs and specifications.
• Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.

LEAN Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Embed LEAN manufacturing principles including 5S, standard work and visual management.
• Lead waste reduction and workflow optimisation initiatives.
• Support standardisation, modularity and repeatable manufacturing solutions.
• Monitor LEAN maturity and identify opportunities for ongoing improvement.

Material Handling, Logistics & Lifting Operations

• Manage workshop logistics and material handling processes.
• Optimise workshop layouts, traffic management and space utilisation.
• Ensure lifting operations comply with LOLER, PUWER and company procedures.
• Work collaboratively with SHEQ and project teams to minimise operational risks.

SHEQ & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with SHEQ policies, procedures and statutory requirements.
• Maintain effective risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work.
• Support investigations into incidents, near misses and non-conformances.
• Ensure inspection, testing and certification requirements are achieved.

At Bridges we are more than Engineers.

We are listed on the Sunday Times Top 100 Places to Work 2024.

As a team we shape and support engineering and construction for our clients who in turn touch the daily lives of millions of people across the UK. We have a large diverse team of talented Safe & Happy People, combining their strengths and ambition to bring innovation and evolution which ensures Sustainability for all stakeholders.

Across our key sectors – Water, Power, Energy and Aggregates, and supported through our regional office network supported by our manufacturing hub located in the heart of Somerset which forms part of our 60,000ft head office complex – we deliver diverse and interesting projects and programmes throughout UK infrastructure.

Our projects range in value from £5k to £15m, taking the role of Principal Contractor and Principal Designer on various schemes, and supporting our valued Tier 1 contractor clients in a subcontractor and off-site manufacturing capacity.

Requirements

Essential Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience in manufacturing or production management within an engineered or industrial environment.
• Demonstrable leadership and people management experience.
• Strong understanding of LEAN manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Experience managing material handling, workshop logistics and lifting operations.
• Knowledge of LOLER, PUWER and safe systems of work.
• Strong planning, communication and problem-solving skills.

Essential Qualifications

• Full UK Driving Licence.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Proactive and results-driven approach.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• High standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability.
• Collaborative and supportive management style.
• Committed to safety, quality and customer satisfaction.
• Flexible, reliable and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong multitasking and decision-making capability.

Benefits

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR BRIDGES

RoSPA Gold Medal winner, Bridges - is an excellent company to work for and a great place to develop your career. Our goal is to exceed the very highest standards and ensure our people work in a culture of health, safety and well-being.

We are currently holders of the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, which reinforces our commitment to supporting the armed forces community.

We are a family-run business with a friendly and welcoming culture, and we are dedicated to helping our employees learn, develop, and achieve success - along with us and throughout their careers.

Bridges also offers an excellent benefits package:

• Competitive salaries
• Health cash plan with Healthshield
• Standard Life Pension Scheme - 5% company contribution
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Bike 2 Work scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee referral scheme - £1,000 if you successfully introduce someone
• Employee recognition schemes
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay

When you join us, you’ll be part of our exciting journey.

Wherever your journey begins with us, through mutual engagement, we’ll make sure you are supported and invested in. We believe in ‘team bridges’ and leadership at all levels with our guiding principles: Safe People, Happy People, Sustainable Business.

Come and be part of our team!

Bridges is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring equality and diversity within the workplace