Mark Hodgson
Stoke on Trent,Staffordshire
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in team leadership and staff development, specializing in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. Proficient in health and safety compliance, cost control, and budget management, with a strong focus on production planning and KPI management. Demonstrates effective problem-solving skills and root cause analysis, alongside strong communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities. Experienced in ISO 9001 standards and committed to implementing cost reduction initiatives.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work history
Manufacturing Manager
Airbags International (Autoliv)
Congleton, Cheshire East
01.2003 - 11.2025
- Responsible for managing operations in a high-volume automotive safety components facility, overseeing a team of over 165 employees.
- Led continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing operational costs and increasing efficiency.
- Applied Lean Manufacturing principles (including 5S, Kaizen, and waste reduction) to improve production flow and output quality.
- Maintained a strong focus on meeting key KPIs: Quality, Safety, Cost, and Delivery.
- Championed staff development and engagement, improving team performance and morale.
- Collaborated with cross-functional departments including Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to meet OEM standards and customer demands.
Team Leader / Supervisor
Collins & Aikman – Tier 1 Supplier to Automotive OEMs
Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
01.1993 - 01.2003
- Supervised day-to-day production in a Tier 1 automotive supplier environment.
- Supported the implementation of production schedules and monitored performance against delivery targets.
- Ensured high levels of quality assurance and compliance with safety standards.
- Actively contributed to process improvement and lean implementation efforts.
Education
Diploma of Higher Education - Manufacturing Operations
Manchester College
Manchester 02.2017 - 01/2019
Skills
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement (APS)
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Cost Control & Budget Management (P&L)
- Production Planning & Scheduling
- KPI Management (SQCDM)
- Problem Solving / Root Cause Analysis (8D – 4D)
- Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Decision-Making aptitude
- Iso 9001 familiarity
- Computer numerical control proficiency
- Cost reduction initiatives
- Health and Safety Compliance
References
- 8% productivity improvements with the introduction of standard work across various parts of the workplace.
- 5% scrap reduction saving £110,000 per year.
- Lead in SAFER Gemba walks.
- Lead in “go and see” on the Gemba to maintain and improve the 5s level.
Affiliations
- DIY
- Walking
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Diploma of Higher Education - Manufacturing Operations
Manchester College
02.2017 - 01/2019
Manufacturing Manager
Airbags International (Autoliv)
01.2003 - 11.2025
Team Leader / Supervisor
Collins & Aikman – Tier 1 Supplier to Automotive OEMs
01.1993 - 01.2003