Manufacturing and Scientific

Sector overview

To remain competitive, many organisations have had little choice over the past decade but to relocate their own manufacturing facilities or seek manufacturing partners overseas, yet surprisingly, many of the companies that still manufacture in the UK have enjoyed a strong period of growth during the three years prior to 2008's credit crunch.

However, a static UK economy, a rapidly cooling eurozone (until recently, a major customer for British products), wildly fluctuating exchange rates, and rising costs have all taken their toll.

To ride out the storm and be best placed to optimise opportunities arising from any upturn, smart companies, if they have not already done so, will be reviewing their supply chains and production capabilities, and looking to improve operational efficiency.

Many will also want to explore emerging markets, less susceptible to the West's economic malaise, to find new customers for their products.

At a time when companies are understandably reluctant to increase headcount, but urgently need experienced hands with proven leadership skills, a sound grasp of best manufacturing practice and the ability to implement philosophies such as Six Sigma, Randstad Interim Managers can provide a highly cost-effective, solution.

Sector experience

During times of transition, manufacturing companies that lack the relevant competencies in-house – or whose existing staff, already working to capacity, need help to deliver business objectives on time – are turning, increasingly, to Randstad’s interim professionals to provide leadership and operational expertise in roles ranging from project management through to board-level assignments.

Within days of taking a brief, we can introduce interim professionals for board level posts, or senior and middle management roles, across a wide range of disciplines including:

• Production
• Engineering
• Supply chain & procurement
• Operational excellence
• Information technology
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Product introduction
• New market development
• Risk management
• Quality

Randstad Interim Executives Manufacturing assignments

Typical interim management assignments we have placed recently include:

• Finance Director
• Supply Chain Manager
• Production Manager
• Systems implementation Manager
• Programme Manager
• Manufacturing Manager
• Business Development Manager

Randstad Interim Professionals are also highly effective in project management roles – ideal where a project is short-term and there is no need for a permanent appointment. Recent and ongoing projects include:

• Cost reduction exercise
• Contract management
• Creation of an effective global supply chain
• New product launch
• Health check on existing lines and improvement programme
• MRP system implementation
• Site closure
• Factory relocation
• Emerging markets