Assistant Factory Manager
Job Description
Location: Dartford, Kent (Factory Based)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Department: Electronics Manufacturing / Production
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Assistant Factory Manager with a strong electronics manufacturing background to support the Factory Manager in overseeing the day-to-day performance, productivity, and management of our factory operations in Dartford.
This is a hands-on leadership role within a busy electronics manufacturing environment, responsible for supporting PCB manufacturing, testing, and final assembly operations. You will provide leadership and guidance to supervisors, team leaders, and production staff, ensuring production targets, quality standards, and customer delivery requirements are consistently achieved.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Operations Management
- Support the daily running of the factory across:
- SMT (Surface Mount Technology) production lines
- Through-hole assembly and testing
- Final product assembly and testing
- Ensure production schedules are achieved and customer deadlines are met.
- Monitor productivity, line performance, cycle times, and bottlenecks.
- Minimise downtime through effective planning and problem-solving.
- Support workforce planning and performance management activities.
Technical & Process Control
- Ensure compliance with PCB manufacturing standards and best practices.
- Support process improvements to maximise productivity, quality, and yield.
- Troubleshoot production issues including solder defects, component placement, and testing failures.
- Work closely with Engineering teams on new product introductions and process validation.
Quality Management
- Ensure adherence to customer specifications and quality standards.
- Monitor defect rates and implement corrective actions where required.
- Support root cause analysis and continuous improvement activities.
- Drive a Right First Time culture across all production areas.
- Ensure full component and product traceability is maintained.
Team Leadership
- Provide leadership and support to supervisors, team leaders, and production staff.
- Coach and develop team members on electronics assembly techniques and manufacturing standards.
- Manage employee performance, attendance, and workforce planning.
- Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Health & Safety
- Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety procedures.
- Enforce ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) controls throughout the factory.
- Maintain safe working practices around automated machinery and soldering equipment.
- Conduct audits, risk assessments, and support incident investigations.
Continuous Improvement
- Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives including 5S, Kaizen, and waste reduction.
- Monitor and improve key performance indicators including:
- First Pass Yield (FPY)
- Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
- Defect rates and rework levels
- On-Time Delivery (OTD)
- Support automation and process improvement projects.
About You
Essential Requirements
- Minimum 5 years' experience within an electronics manufacturing or production environment.
- Previous experience supervising or managing production teams.
- Strong understanding of PCB assembly, testing, and final assembly processes.
- Excellent people management and leadership skills.
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis abilities.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced factory environment.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Must have a strong electronics manufacturing background.
Desirable
- Experience with SMT manufacturing processes.
- Knowledge of IPC standards.
- Exposure to Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
Working Environment
- Fully factory-based role in Dartford.
- Electronics manufacturing environment.
- Use of ESD protection equipment required.
- Exposure to soldering processes, automated machinery, and production noise.
If you have proven leadership experience within an electronics manufacturing environment and are looking to progress your career in a fast-paced production setting, we would like to hear from you.
Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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