Head of Manufacturing - (Sawmill and Treatment)

W Talent Manufacturing are delighted to be retained on a search for a Head of Manufacturing (Sawmill and Treatment) for Arbor Forest Products Ltd. Arbor are the UK’s largest independent timber importer and processer and have invested heavily across its large facility based in Barrow-upon-Humber.

Arbor Forest Products founded in 1951 still hold a strong family culture whilst embracing the future of Manufacturing. Arbor Forest Products follow 4 key pillars in their culture – Ambition, Family, Cares and Quality.

Arbor Forest Products are committed to innovation through its full supply chain and strive to be leaders of their industry whilst ensuring sustainable and ethical practices in all aspects of their operations. This is a great business to work for and a fantastic opportunity for a Head of Manufacturing (Sawmill and Treatment) to join a business that truly cares.

Position Overview:

Arbor Forest Products Ltd are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head of Manufacturing (Sawmill and Treatment) with a strong background in driving production initiatives in a continuous and fast paced manufacturing environments. This is a pivotal role for the business with the successful candidate focused on driving operational excellence and ensuring alignment with production targets.

Arbor Forest Products based in Barrow-upon-Humber are looking for a rounded Head of Manufacturing (Sawmill and Treatment) with a proven track record in production leadership, operations management, continuous improvement, and stakeholder engagement. The role requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of Manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities: 

The Head of Manufacturing (Sawmill and Treatment) plays an integral part in overseeing all production deliverables for both Sawmill and Treatment processes and reports into the Operations Director on site, they also will be responsible for:

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations in all manufacturing operations.
• Implement robust safety protocols and procedures to mitigate workplace hazards and promote a safe working environment.
• Provide effective leadership to manufacturing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Identify talent gaps and develop training programs to enhance the skills and capabilities of Manufacturing personnel.
• Develop comprehensive production plans aligned with organisational goals and market demands.
• Coordinate with various departments to ensure raw material availability and smooth workflow execution.
• Identify areas for process improvement to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and streamline operations.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement among manufacturing teams through training, feedback, and empowerment.
• Establish and enforce stringent quality control measures to uphold product quality and meet regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to investigate and resolve any deviations or non-conformities promptly.

Key Requirements:

• A Degree/HND/HNC in an Engineering/Technical discipline or related field is required
• A strong focus on Health and Safety is essential, a NEBOSH qualification would be highly advantageous
• A proven track record of at least 5 years in a similar role within a continuous process environment is preferred – extrusion, print/packaging, building products, CNC etc
• A proven track record in process manufacturing would be preferred
• Expertise in continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify opportunities for improvement
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience leading cross-functional teams and driving change initiatives
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to all levels of the business
• A NEBOSH qualification would be highly advantageous

What’s on Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Benefits package
• Opportunities for career growth and development with in the group
• Opportunity to make a difference in the growth of the facility