Our client is seeking an experienced and hands-on Factory Manager with strong expertise in the manufacturing of high-quality sheet metal and aluminium enclosures for electrical panel boards.
The Factory Manager will have full accountability for delivering the production plan on time, to specification, and at the planned cost. The role combines production planning and control with direct shop-floor management and requires a professional who can personally establish effective production systems and subsequently manage performance through those systems.
This Factory Manager Job in Sharjah requires extensive hands-on knowledge of sheet metal fabrication processes, production planning, manufacturing controls, workforce management, quality, safety, and continuous improvement. A minimum of 60% of working hours is expected to be spent on the shop floor.
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 10–12 years of proven manufacturing experience, specifically in high-quality sheet metal/aluminium enclosure manufacturing for electrical panel boards.
- Minimum 8+ years of manufacturing experience, including at least 4+ years managing a shop floor of 25 or more staff.
- Demonstrable experience building a production planning and control system from a low base, with the ability to explain what was implemented, in what sequence, and the measurable results achieved.
- Candidates whose experience is limited to operating existing systems without building or improving production control systems may not be suitable for the role.
- Experience in an engineer-to-order or make-to-order environment, including switchgear, electrical panels, sheet metal fabrication, steel structures, or industrial equipment.
- Strong hands-on planning capability, including capacity modelling, standard time setting, constraint-based scheduling, and material planning.
- Ability to read and interpret GA drawings, single-line diagrams, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
- Thorough hands-on knowledge of AutoCAD/programming, CNC turret punch press, laser cutting machines, CNC bending, MIG/TIG/Argon welding for aluminium, tools/dies, and powder coating.
- Strong knowledge of production planning, shop-floor management, manufacturing controls, material flow, and quality systems.
- Fluent English with clear and direct verbal communication skills.
- Willingness to manage operations primarily from the shop floor rather than from an office.
- Experience in LV/MV switchgear or panel manufacturing is mandatory.
- Experience implementing or working with ERPNext, SAP, or Odoo is desirable.
- Applied experience in Lean, Six Sigma, or Theory of Constraints is desirable.
- UAE or GCC manufacturing experience is preferred.
