Head of Manufacturing

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Manufacturing to provide strategic leadership and operational excellence across our full manufacturing footprint, including core production and upholstery operations.

Reporting into the Operations Director - Beds, you will play a pivotal role in building capability, strengthening operational discipline, and embedding Lean Manufacturing principles across the organisation. This is an opportunity to influence the future of our manufacturing operations and contribute directly to business growth and customer satisfaction.

Location – Beeston, Leeds. LS11 5SB

Hours – Monday – Friday. 39 hours

This is a senior, high‑impact role responsible for shaping the long‑term manufacturing strategy, driving transformational improvement, and ensuring our teams deliver safe, efficient, and world‑class performance.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic direction for the entire manufacturing function, setting long‑term plans and operational standards.
• Lead and develop senior and middle‑management teams, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee end‑to‑end manufacturing performance across production, upholstery, and support functions.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing deployment, embedding CI behaviours and structured problem‑solving across all teams.
• Ensure robust production planning, capacity management, and workflow optimisation to support business demand.
• Champion safety, quality, and compliance, ensuring all operations meet regulatory and internal standards.
• Own the manufacturing budget, delivering cost improvements through waste reduction, process optimisation, and strategic investment.

Key Skills & Experience:

• Proven success leading large, multi‑disciplinary manufacturing operations at a senior level.
• Experience managing both high‑volume production and understanding of manufacturing systems, Lean methodologies, and operational excellence frameworks.
• Ability to design and deliver long‑term CI and Lean roadmaps.
• Skilled in setting strategic direction, building capability, and leading senior managers through change.
• Experience developing leadership pipelines and shaping high‑performance cultures.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder‑management skills, with the ability to influence at director level.
• Confident presenting operational performance, risks, and strategic recommendations.
• Strong ability to interpret complex data, identify systemic issues, and drive long‑term solutions.
• Experience managing large budgets and supporting capital investment planning.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing technologies, digital systems, and performance‑tracking tools.
• Ability to evaluate and implement new systems and automation to enhance capability.

Craft your future with us. At Harrison Spinks, we have been handmaking luxury mattresses in Britain since 1840 - with innovation, sustainability, and passion stitched into every seam. Join a team where tradition meets purpose, and your work truly matters.