Vacancy at Lorillion
Manufacturing Operations Director
UK
Vacancy listed
02/06/2026
Application deadline
17/07/2026
Details
Role Purpose:
The Manufacturing Director will lead the establishment, scale-up and operational management of a high-performance battery pack manufacturing business focused on low-to-medium volume production (50–5,000 units annually per product) for marine, industrial and automotive applications. This role is responsible for building the manufacturing organisation from the ground up — including facility setup, team recruitment, production systems, manufacturing engineering, quality systems, supply chain coordination, and operational excellence. The successful candidate will drive the transition from prototype builds through to repeatable production manufacture of battery packs ranging from 60V to 800V using cylindrical and pouch cell technologies. As a key member of the leadership team reporting directly to the CEO, the Manufacturing Director will play a critical role in shaping company strategy, culture, manufacturing capability, and operational scalability.
Key Responsibilities:
The Manufacturing Director will lead the establishment, scale-up and operational management of a high-performance battery pack manufacturing business focused on low-to-medium volume production (50–5,000 units annually per product) for marine, industrial and automotive applications. This role is responsible for building the manufacturing organisation from the ground up — including facility setup, team recruitment, production systems, manufacturing engineering, quality systems, supply chain coordination, and operational excellence. The successful candidate will drive the transition from prototype builds through to repeatable production manufacture of battery packs ranging from 60V to 800V using cylindrical and pouch cell technologies. As a key member of the leadership team reporting directly to the CEO, the Manufacturing Director will play a critical role in shaping company strategy, culture, manufacturing capability, and operational scalability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manufacturing Strategy & Facility Development
- Lead the setup and commissioning of a new battery pack manufacturing facility, including layout, workflow optimisation, equipment specification, utilities, EHS requirements, and production readiness. Develop scalable manufacturing processes capable of supporting prototype, pre-production, and low-to-medium volume production programmes. Establish manufacturing standards, procedures, work instructions, and production documentation. Define and implement manufacturing KPIs focused on quality, cost, delivery, safety, and productivity. Support business growth planning, facility expansion, and future manufacturing scalability.
- Team Leadership & Organisational Development
- Recruit, develop and lead a multidisciplinary manufacturing team, growing from an initial single employee operation to approximately 20 employees. Build a high-performance manufacturing culture focused on accountability, safety, collaboration, continuous improvement, and technical excellence. Establish organisational structures, roles, training plans, and performance management processes. Mentor and develop manufacturing engineers, technicians, production operators, and support staff.
- Production & Operations Management
- Oversee daily manufacturing operations including prototype builds, pilot production, and serial manufacture. Ensure production schedules are achieved while maintaining quality and safety standards. Drive operational efficiency improvements through Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies. Implement production planning and inventory control systems appropriate for low-volume, high-mix manufacturing. Co-ordinate manufacturing readiness for new product introduction (NPI) activities.
- Battery Pack Manufacturing & Engineering
- Support manufacturing process development for high-voltage battery pack assembly using cylindrical and pouch cells. Ensure safe handling, assembly, testing, and validation of high-voltage battery systems from 60V to 800V. Collaborate closely with engineering teams on DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly) initiatives. Support development of battery pack assembly techniques including welding, bonding, thermal management integration, BMS integration, HV harnessing, and end-of-line testing. Ensure robust traceability systems are implemented for battery cells, components, and assemblies.
- Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Establish and maintain quality management systems aligned with automotive, marine, and industrial industry standards. Develop manufacturing controls and inspection processes to ensure product reliability and compliance. Lead EHS strategy for manufacturing including HV safety, battery handling protocols, fire risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance. Support certification and compliance activities including UN38.3, ISO9001, IATF16949 readiness, CE/UKCA, marine approvals, and customer-specific requirements. Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes for manufacturing and quality issues.
- Supply Chain & Supplier Management
- Work with procurement and engineering teams to establish robust supply chains for cells, BMS, electronics, mechanical components, and production tooling. Support supplier qualification, process audits, and supplier development activities. Manage manufacturing input requirements including materials planning, inventory management, and production tooling.
- Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Support customer programme reviews, technical discussions, and manufacturing readiness activities. Contribute to business development activities where manufacturing capability and scalability are key customer considerations. Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, commercial, programme management, and leadership teams.
Qualifications, Experience and Skills Required:
- Degree qualified in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
- Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in manufacturing leadership roles within battery systems, automotive, electrification, aerospace, marine, or related high-reliability industries.
- Proven experience establishing or scaling manufacturing operations in a start-up or rapidly growing environment.
- Strong understanding of battery pack manufacturing processes for lithium-ion systems.
- Experience with high-voltage systems and associated safety requirements.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and building manufacturing organisations.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and production system implementation.
- Experience with prototype and low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environments.
- Excellent project management and organisational skills.
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capability.
- Commercial awareness with understanding of manufacturing cost drivers and operational efficiency.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Qualifications, Experience and Skills Preferred:
- Experience manufacturing battery packs using both cylindrical and pouch cell formats.
- Experience within marine, off-highway, industrial vehicle, motorsport, defence, or specialist automotive sectors.
- Knowledge of automated and semi-automated battery pack assembly processes.
- Experience implementing ERP/MRP systems within manufacturing operations.
- Familiarity with industry standards such as ISO9001, IATF16949, ISO14001, and UN38.3.
- Six Sigma, Lean, or operational excellence certification.
- Experience managing NPI and APQP processes.
- Understanding of thermal management systems and battery testing methodologies.
- Experience working with contract manufacturers or international supply chains.
Role specific knowledge:
- Lithium-ion battery technologies and cell formats.
- High-voltage battery pack architecture and assembly.
- Battery Management Systems (BMS) integration.
- HV safety standards and safe working practices.
- Production process design and manufacturing engineering.
- Prototype build environments and transition to production.
- Low-volume/high-mix manufacturing operations.
- Manufacturing quality systems and traceability.
- End-of-line testing and validation systems.
- Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Industrialisation and scaling of manufacturing operations.
- Regulatory and compliance requirements for battery systems across automotive, marine, and industrial sectors.
Personal Attributes:
- Entrepreneurial mindset with strong start-up mentality.
- Hands-on leadership style with willingness to work operationally when required.
- Highly driven, self-motivated, and results oriented.
- Strong technical curiosity and problem-solving capability.
- Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Pragmatic decision-maker capable of balancing speed, quality, and cost.
- High attention to detail with strong focus on safety and quality.
- Collaborative and team-oriented approach.
- Passion for electrification, battery technology, and advanced manufacturing.
Location and Travel:
- You must be eligible to work in the UK and have no restrictions for world-wide travel. We are unable to offer Visa sponsorship.
- This role is based at our Head Office in the UK, with flexibility for remote working up to 2 days a week.
- Working hours are 09h00 to 17h00, 5 days a week, however some travel is expected, and flexible working patterns are essential to the role.
Equal Opportunities Statement
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or background.