Manufacturing Unit Manager

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

This position reports to:

Operations Manager

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In this role, you will lead the transformation of the UK Emergency Lighting manufacturing unit in Morley, providing overall leadership and accountability for Production, Engineering, Procurement, HSE, Quality, Operational Excellence, Planning and Fulfillment, and Logistics. You will drive operational performance, continuous improvement, and business transformation while building a culture of ownership, accountability, collaboration, and high performance. As the site leader, you will ensure strong execution, regional alignment across EMEA, and achievement of key business objectives including productivity, quality, customer satisfaction, and financial performance.  

Our Team Dynamics

Our teams support each other, collaborate, and never stop learning. Everyone brings something unique, and together we push ideas forward to solve real problems. Being part of our team means your work matters - because the progress we make here creates real impact out there.

What’s in it for you?

We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day. 

Your Role and Responsibilities

In this role, you’ll help run what runs the world, by taking on meaningful work that drives real impact.

Work model: onsite

• Implement the global business unit strategy within the manufacturing unit and ensure alignment with EMEA operational priorities. 

• Own and deliver the site transformation roadmap, driving operational excellence, productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction. 

• Lead day-to-day operations across production, planning, logistics, supply chain, engineering, quality, and HSE functions. 

• Deliver key business KPIs including EBITA, revenue, cost, productivity, and delivery performance while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. 

• Build, develop, and inspire a high-performing site leadership team and support long-term talent development and succession planning. 

• Ensure compliance with ABB values, Code of Conduct, and all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. 
• Leads and sponsors change initiatives across the site, ensuring successful adoption of new processes, systems, and ways of working to support long-term business objectives.
• Establishes strong customer and supplier partnerships, using feedback and performance data to drive continuous improvement, strengthen service levels, and deliver operational excellence.

Qualifications for the Role

• 5/10 years of experience leading a production or manufacturing site. 

• Strong understanding of Emergency Lighting products (not required to have strong understanding of EML products, more so strong understanding of running an operation), operations, and manufacturing requirements. 

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex product and operational environments. 

• Experience in turnaround or transformation environments is advantageous. 

• Experience with SAP S/4HANA is preferred. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative, solution-focused mindset. 

• Fluency in English is required; additional European languages are beneficial. 
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale operational improvement programmes, with a track record of delivering measurable business, quality, and productivity improvements.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, analysing operational performance data, and driving cost optimisation initiatives while maintaining service and quality standards.

Benefits

 ABB offers a full range of benefits to help you thrive at work and beyond.

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual  leave plus bank holidays
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Flexible benefits scheme (Includes options to buy/sell holidays, health checks, dental, eye care, gym memberships, cycle to work, gadget discounts and more)
• Internal mobility opportunities, mentorships & access to projects globally
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous employee referral scheme
• Company car or cash for car allowance
• Private medical cover for yourself and partner
• Generous bonus scheme

For the 6th consecutive year ABB UK has been recognised as a Top Employer in UK. Being certified as a Top Employer showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work and exhibits this through excellent HR policies and people practices.

More about us

ABB Emergency Lighting offers a comprehensive range of emergency lighting products, including exit signs and emergency luminaires. These products are designed to provide illumination during power outages, ensuring safe evacuation and visibility. ABB's emergency lighting products include the Emergi-Lite®Vanlien®, Kaufel® lines, known for their performance and reliability in commercial and harsh environments.

Join us. Be part of the team where progress happens, industries transform, and your work shapes the world. 

Run What Runs the World.  

#RunwithABB 

Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.