Role overview
Over the past 16 years, Dekko Window Systems has established itself as one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of premium fenestration products. As part of the Inwido Group, Europe’s leading window manufacturer, we continue to invest in innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.
We are seeking a Manufacturing Optimisation Manager to join our Ashton-under-Lyne manufacturing facility. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on embedding Continuous Improvement across manufacturing operations while driving productivity, efficiency, quality, safety, and operational performance.
Working closely with Production, Planning, Quality and Engineering teams, you’ll establish structured improvement systems, lead operational change, and help shape the future of manufacturing excellence at Dekko.
Key responsibilities
- Drive measurable daily, weekly and monthly manufacturing performance improvements
- Establish KPI reporting across throughput, labour efficiency, waste, downtime and OTIF
- Lead structured problem-solving using 5 Whys, Ishikawa, A3 and Root Cause Analysis
- Evaluate production flow, bottlenecks and capacity to maximise efficiency
- Partner with Planning to optimise labour deployment and machine utilisation
- Introduce standard work, visual management and process control systems
- Coach managers and team leaders in Continuous Improvement tools and behaviours
- Develop and implement Dekko's Continuous Improvement strategy and roadmap
- Build CI governance, reporting standards and improvement frameworks
- Lead Kaizen workshops and cross-functional improvement projects
- Apply Lean methodologies including 5S, SMED, VSM and Standard Work
- Measure and report productivity, cost and quality improvements
- Standardise manufacturing processes and maintain SOPs
- Implement audit processes to sustain improvements
- Promote operational excellence, accountability and continuous learning across the business
What we're looking for
- Proven experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean or Operational Excellence
- Experience building Continuous Improvement systems and governance
- Strong knowledge of Lean methodologies including Kaizen, 5S, SMED, VSM and Standard Work
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
- Experience leading workshops and influencing stakeholders
- Excellent communication, coaching and facilitation skills
- Strong project management experience with measurable business results
- Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments (desirable)
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification (desirable)
- Experience with OEE systems or digital performance tools (desirable)
- Knowledge of ISO standards, quality systems and H&S compliance (desirable)
- Hands-on and action-oriented approach
- Collaborative and influential leadership style
- Strong change management capability
- Strategic thinker with a passion for operational excellence
Why join Dekko
- Work with an award-winning business in the glazing industry
- Performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package
- Career development opportunities in a growing, innovation-led business
- Supportive, values-driven team environment
- Opportunities within a wider international group committed to sustainability and growth
