How to Move into a Senior Role in Manufacturing

The UK has long been a hub for innovation and production across various industries, making it fertile ground for diverse career opportunities within the manufacturing industry. With the UK ranked the ninth largest manufacturing nation, manufacturing provided 2.5 million jobs to the local labour market in 2022.

An extensive network of businesses under one industry umbrella offers abundant opportunities for career development, advancement, or an outright career change. Careers at the senior level in manufacturing can open doors like no other, from FMCG to the automotive industry and everything in between, especially as many of the skills and principles used in manufacturing are transferable.

As specialists in professional recruitment for manufacturing, design, engineering, and technical companies, we have key insights to share about how you can utilise your wealth of experience to make your next strategic move.

How Your Career History Can Support Your Next Move

Successful careers in manufacturing often begin with a technical foundation. Engineering is pivotal in the industry, serving as the backbone for innovation and process improvement.

Professionals with experience as production managers, maintenance managers and engineering management level are invaluable and can provide the basis of an impressive CV if you are making a move within the manufacturing industry in the UK. In our experience, a rounded CV will include elements of the following experience:

Operational Acumen

Having experience as a production manager, you’ll possess an in-depth understanding of manufacturing processes, production flows and resource allocation. This expertise enables you to identify bottlenecks, streamline workflows and optimise production processes.

Engineering and Maintenance managers are well-versed in equipment reliability and maintenance strategies, which are critical for minimising downtime and ensuring smooth operations.

Root Cause Analysis

Conducting root cause analysis is a critical feature of many technical and operational roles in manufacturing. Having experience in diagnosing and resolving issues is vital for preventing and addressing disruptions to production or supply chains.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

As a production, maintenance or engineering manager, you’re comfortable interacting with various departments, including colleagues in supply chain functions such as procurement, logistics and quality control. Your experience in cross-functional collaboration equips you with skills for effective communication and cooperation within an organisation.

Asset Management

As a maintenance manager, you understand asset management and lifecycle planning. This knowledge is key for optimising the use of equipment and resources, reducing waste and enhancing overall efficiency.

Risk Mitigation

You have the skills to identify and mitigate risks associated with production, maintenance and engineering activities. Your ability to anticipate potential disruptions and develop contingency plans is crucial in maintaining the stability of the supply chain.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

As an engineering manager, you often focus on innovation and continuous improvement in product design and manufacturing processes. Your innovative thinking and commitment to driving efficiency align perfectly with supply chain and process optimisation goals.

Problem-Solving

Working as a production, maintenance or engineering manager, you’ll have honed your problem-solving skills. You excel in tackling complex issues, making data-driven decisions and implementing solutions—a critical aspect of optimising manufacturing processes.

Leadership and Team Development

Having managed teams of engineers, technicians and production staff, you have extensive leadership experience, and your ability to develop high-performing teams drives process optimisation and supply chain efficiency.

How to use your experience to progress into Strategic or Senior Level Roles

The manufacturing industry in the UK is increasingly seeking professionals who can streamline operations, reduce costs and enhance efficiency.

Here’s how you can leverage your management and strategic experiences in your CV and in job interviews, for a successful transition into a new strategic role:

Emphasise Leadership Skills

Highlight your ability to lead teams, make critical decisions and manage resources effectively. In manufacturing, leadership skills are vital for overseeing complex operations and guiding teams towards common goals.

Problem-Solving Abilities

Showcase your track record in identifying issues, analysing root causes and implementing solutions. Discuss specific examples where your problem-solving skills led to improved processes or cost savings.

Supply Chain Optimisation

Discuss your involvement in managing inventory, demand forecasting, vendor relationships and logistics. Highlight any achievements related to optimising the supply chain.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Modern manufacturing relies heavily on data analysis and technology. Demonstrate your ability to use data to inform decisions, optimise workflows and drive continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Your management background likely involved working with diverse teams. Emphasise your collaboration skills and capacity to bridge gaps between different organisational functions.

Project Management Expertise

Detail your experience in planning, executing and monitoring projects. Highlight your accomplishments in delivering projects on time and within budget to demonstrate your ability to drive efficiency.

Cost Reduction Strategies

Discuss your experience in implementing cost-saving initiatives in your previous roles. Be prepared to suggest potential cost-reduction strategies during interviews.

Process Improvement Initiatives

Describe how you’ve initiated and led process improvement projects in your previous roles. Discuss the results, such as increased productivity, reduced waste, or improved quality.

Continuous Learning and Adaptability

Showcase your ability to adapt to change and your commitment to ongoing learning. Mention any relevant certifications, workshops, or courses you’ve completed.

Communication Skills

Explain how your management experience has honed your ability to communicate complex ideas, convey strategies to teams and provide clear instructions.

Leadership Development

If you’ve played a role in developing and mentoring team members, highlight this. Manufacturing companies often seek leaders who nurture talent and build strong, capable teams.

A Deep Well of Opportunity

The manufacturing industry in the UK offers a wealth of career possibilities, and most businesses require high-level strategic positions. It’s the perfect sector for any professional interested in making their mark and helping shape the future of how we live, work and play.

Want to learn more about careers in manufacturing that suit your skills and experience? At CV Consulting, we have deep experience in professional recruitment for manufacturing, design, engineering and technical companies. We can align you with a company that can set you and your career on an exciting trajectory. Whether you’re looking for a permanent, temp or contract role, our team can get you in front of the right organisations. Contact us today.