Manufacturing
Autonomous Production Unit (APU) Manager
Job Description

Are you a manufacturing leader passionate about driving safety, quality, and operational excellence while developing high-performing teams? Then join us in our mission to pioneer smarter solutions for moving and transforming water, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing quality of life for people. As our new Autonomous Production Unit Manager, you will be leading an Autonomous Production Unit (APU) end-to-end, driving SQDICP performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, Cost, and People while coaching supervisors, team leaders, and operators to deliver outstanding results. You'll be part of a diverse, supportive and inclusive culture, that celebrates our differences and puts people first by fostering growth, well-being, and a sense of belonging.

 

What you will be doing

 

As a key part of the Plant Operations team, you'll create impact by leading a high-performing production team to deliver operational excellence, driving continuous improvement and Lean initiatives that directly support Grundfos strategic ambitions.

 

Your main responsibilities include:

 

Drive and manage SQDICP performance across the APU, ensuring daily production targets are met while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards

Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors, team leaders, and operators to build a multiskilled, engaged, and high-performing team

Champion a safe behaviours culture and ensure full compliance with EHS regulations, risk assessments, and company procedures

Drive continuous improvement through Lean principles, GPS initiatives, 5S discipline, and systematic elimination of waste

Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and HR to ensure product quality, production flow, and strategic alignment

Translate plant strategy into clear operational actions and lead problem-solving, escalation handling, and production projects

 

What makes you a great fit

 

Above all, you are a hands-on manufacturing leader with strong Lean expertise, a track record of developing teams, and the ability to drive operational performance in a fast-paced production environment. We would also imagine that you have:

 

3+ years of leadership experience in a plant or manufacturing environment, including managing teams and operational processes

Six Sigma Lean Green Belt certification or equivalent, with demonstrated experience in continuous improvement and waste elimination

Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations best practices, including MPS processes, safety risk assessment, and P&L fundamentals

Proven ability to lead and develop multiskilled teams with a focus on performance, engagement, and operational discipline

A Master's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field

Experience with performance management frameworks, structured training programs, and stakeholder management

Strong understanding of industrial safety, quality compliance, and Lean/continuous improvement methodologies including standardisation and flow optimisation

 

Why you will love working here

 

We care! Day to day, you can look forward to:

 

A working environment built around your needs, with flexible hours, home working opportunities and parental support.

Three days' additional paid leave for volunteering in your community.

Access to on-demand training and learning sessions and carefully structured programmes to pursue personal and professional development opportunities.

 

Are you ready to unlock possibilities at Grundfos? Apply today!

To get to know us better, follow us on LinkedIn or visit grundfos.com

Information at a Glance

Job details

Workplace:  Hybrid (office and home-working)
Job Location:  Castletown, Sunderland, United Kingdom
Contract Type:  Full-Time
Employment Type:  Regular

About Grundfos

Grundfos is one of the world’s leading water technology companies with more than 19.000 employees in 60+ countries all over the world. Our skills commit us to pioneering solutions to the world’s water and climate challenges and improve the quality of life for people. We dare to do things that others cannot or dare not do, as we believe innovation is not only a business opportunity, but an obligation. And what really matters to us is not short term profit, but the impact we make. By becoming part of our united powerful team, you too can drive this change no matter your role.

An inclusive team

We believe that the key to a work environment, where employees thrive and grow, is our ability to celebrate and value our differences in background, experiences and perspectives. In our recruitment process we welcome all professional people without consideration of age, colour, gender identity, national origin, physical or mental disability, ethnicity or religion.

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