The SPC Team Leaders in Rubber Compounding Excellence!

About SPC Europe Ltd SPC Europe Ltd is a specialist manufacturer of high-performance rubber compounds supplying customers across a range of industrial and technical sectors. Operating within a batch manufacturing environment, we are focused on delivering high-quality products, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations. We are seeking an experienced and driven Factory Manager to lead our Westbury manufacturing facility. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing professional with strong experience in batch or process manufacturing environments and a proven ability to improve factory performance, productivity, quality, and team engagement. The Role The Factory Manager will have full responsibility for the leadership, performance, and continuous improvement of the Westbury manufacturing operation. This role requires a strong operational leader capable of managing a complex batch manufacturing environment where consistency, quality control, planning, process discipline, safety, and productivity are critical. The successful candidate will lead cross-functional teams across production, maintenance, quality, planning, warehousing, and engineering to ensure the factory operates efficiently and delivers outstanding customer service levels. The role will also involve close collaboration with other SPC Europe operations and customers to support business growth, operational alignment, and manufacturing best practice. This is an excellent opportunity for a high-performing manufacturing leader who thrives in fast-paced industrial environments and enjoys driving operational improvements through strong leadership and accountability. Key Responsibilities Lead all aspects of manufacturing operations within the plant to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and financial targets Manage and optimise a batch manufacturing operation ensuring consistency, process compliance, and efficient throughput Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives across all manufacturing functions Ensure customer requirements are consistently achieved in terms of quality, responsiveness, and delivery performance Lead, motivate, and develop cross-functional teams across production, engineering, maintenance, quality, planning, and warehouse operations Promote and maintain a strong health, safety, and environmental culture throughout the site Monitor and improve key manufacturing KPIs including OEE, downtime, waste, labour efficiency, scrap, and production output Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to improve operational performance Ensure robust production planning and capacity management to support customer demand and business objectives Manage factory budgets and control operational expenditure effectively Lead internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with quality systems, technical standards, and legislative requirements Support manufacturing technology development and process improvement initiatives Ensure effective preventative maintenance and optimisation of manufacturing assets and equipment Develop workforce capability through coaching, training, succession planning, and performance management Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, teamwork, and continuous improvement Support customer interaction and operational communication where required Work collaboratively with other SPC Europe facilities to share best practice and support wider operational objectives Candidate Requirements We are looking for a proven manufacturing leader with significant experience operating within batch or process manufacturing environments. Essential Experience Extensive experience in a senior manufacturing, operations, or factory management role Strong background in batch manufacturing or process manufacturing industries such as rubber, polymers, chemicals, plastics, compounding, coatings, food, or similar sectors Demonstrable success improving operational performance within a manufacturing environment Proven ability to lead large operational teams and drive accountability and performance Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies Strong understanding of process control, quality systems, production planning, maintenance, and health & safety Commercial awareness with experience managing manufacturing budgets and operational costs Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills Strong problem-solving capability and a hands-on management approach Desirable Experience within rubber compounding or rubber manufacturing IOSH or NEBOSH qualification Engineering or manufacturing qualification Multi-site or international manufacturing exposure