Job Title

Business: Lucchini Unipart Rail Ltd ( LUR ) is a joint venture between Lucchini RS Group (LRS) of Italy and Unipart Rail Ltd and has established itself as a major force in the UK rail sector and is renowned for delivering exceptional customer service and depth of industry knowledge. The group provides a wide range of services including the manufacture of new train wheels, axles and wheelsets and overhauling of wheelsets, bogies, and gearboxes. LUR also provides a range of inspection services and bespoke design and innovation capabilities. LUR has three separate facilities in Manchester and one in Doncaster. The Head Office is located at one of the facilities in Trafford Park Manchester, where the machining of wheels and axles, the strip down of wheelsets for overhaul and the assembly of new and overhauled wheelsets take place. Close by are a gearbox overhaul facility and the Distribution Centre, which is LURs storage hub of components and finished products. Doncaster houses the bogie overhaul lines and a customer service team dedicated to freight and passenger wheelset overhauls. The companys principal supplier is the LRS Group, from whom it purchases forged wheels and axles manufactured by the Italian parent in its own steelworks and rolling & forging operations in Lovere in northern Italy. These are then shipped to LUR, where they are machined and assembled to order. This unique ability to control key elements of its supply chain, further cements its position as a market leader within the UK. Role: As the Manufacturing Operations Director, you will be responsible for the overall management of all sites (three buildings in Trafford Park, Manchester and one in Doncaster).You will lead a team of 5 direct reports and have full responsibility for a workforce of 250 staff. You will play a key role in driving operational excellence, improving manufacturing processes, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards, and achieving financial and operational goals. This is a senior leadership role that requires a strategic thinker with strong experience in manufacturing and operations management, preferably in the rail, engineering or manufacturing sectors. Opportunity: The role provides an excellent opportunity to work with an established, successful and industry leading group as it continues to further develop its market leading position, becoming a trusted partner to all members of the executive team. In return the successful candidate will be rewarded with an excellent remuneration and benefits package in line with a position of this seniority. Candidate: Significant and proven experience in a senior manufacturing or operations management role, ideally within the railway, engineering or manufacturing sectors. Extensive experience in leading large teams across multiple sites, with a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and industrial operations. A degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline is preferred. Relevant certifications in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar qualifications would be advantageous. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization. Strategic thinking with the ability to balance short-term objectives with long-term goals. Results-driven, with a focus on meeting deadlines, driving productivity, and improving processes. A deep commitment to health, safety, and regulatory compliance.