This review provides an in-depth look at the Digital Manufacturing Operations Manager position, designed to help prospective candidates understand the unique opportunities and considerations for their career growth. Based in Derby, this hybrid role offers a balance of onsite collaboration and remote flexibility, with a standard 37-hour work week.
The Opportunity: Shaping the Future of Manufacturing
This role is an exciting chance to join the Central ET&S (Engineering, Technology and Safety) Digital Manufacturing team, a group at the forefront of deploying innovative digital solutions across the organization. As the Digital Manufacturing Operations Manager, you will be instrumental in:
- Leading and Developing a High-Performing Team: You will manage and nurture a team of Digital Manufacturing Engineers, supporting critical programmes across multiple manufacturing and assembly facilities, both internally and within the external supply chain. This is a significant opportunity to hone your leadership and people development skills.
- Driving Strategic Initiatives: You will play a pivotal role in executing the Group's Digital & IT Strategy, ensuring digital transformations align with overarching business objectives and deliver tangible, measurable results. This involves not just execution, but also strategic thinking and planning.
- Championing Digital Transformation: A key aspect of this role is advocating for the value and benefits of Digital Manufacturing. You will be a change agent, fostering engagement and adoption across various business functions and at all organizational levels.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: You will collaborate closely with diverse teams, including Group IT, Operations, PMO, and Finance, ensuring seamless integration and effective delivery of digital projects. This broad exposure is invaluable for understanding the wider business landscape.
- Embedding Digital Manufacturing Expertise: You will contribute to the development of crucial Digital Manufacturing skills and digital awareness throughout the organization, a vital step in modernizing operations.
Key Advantages for Candidates:
- Impactful Leadership: This role offers the chance to lead and shape a critical function within a forward-thinking organization, directly influencing the direction of digital manufacturing.
- Career Development: The organization is committed to continuous learning and development, offering access to a wide range of opportunities to grow your career. Mentoring and coaching will be integral to your success.
- Strategic Involvement: You will be involved in high-level strategy execution, providing a platform to develop your strategic thinking and business acumen.
- Hybrid Working Model: The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, allowing for a healthy work-life balance while ensuring essential onsite collaboration.
- Competitive Package: Beyond a competitive salary, the role comes with excellent benefits, including bonus schemes, employee support assistance, and discounts, reflecting the company's investment in its people.
- Inclusive Culture: You will be welcomed into a culture that values belonging, integrity, and feedback, where individual contributions are recognized and diversity is celebrated.
Key Considerations for Aspiring Candidates:
- Relevant Expertise: A strong foundation in Digital Manufacturing implementation processes and best practices is essential. A degree or HNC/D in a relevant engineering discipline, or equivalent significant experience, is a key requirement.
- Change Management Acumen: The ability to influence working practices and drive cultural and operational change is paramount. Experience in leading change initiatives, particularly in manufacturing environments, will be highly valued.
- Multitasking and Prioritization: Proven experience managing multiple workstreams and balancing priorities across complex stakeholder groups is crucial for success in this dynamic role.
- Exceptional Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills are vital for effective collaboration with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Mentorship and Capability Building: The role requires a proactive approach to training, mentoring, and coaching others to develop new skills and embed new ways of working.
- Understanding of Governance: Ensuring major programmes adhere to Digital Manufacturing Improvement Programme (DMIP) governance standards will be a key responsibility.
This Digital Manufacturing Operations Manager position is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be a driving force in the evolution of digital manufacturing. If you are a results-oriented leader with a passion for innovation and a commitment to developing talent, this role offers a rewarding path for your career.