Head Of Production

Marine Resources; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job description

An exciting leadership opportunity for a dynamic Head of Production to lead and develop a skilled production team within a forward-thinking manufacturing environment. This role is critical to the delivery of high-quality, timely products through effective planning, resource management, and continuous improvement initiatives. This is a full-time permanent position based in Hampshire with the opportunity to work either a 4-day week or a 5-day week.

This opportunity is with a well-established, internationally respected manufacturer within the marine industry. The company is part of a wider group with global reach and a strong reputation for engineering excellence and product innovation. Specialising in the design and production of rigging systems and deck hardware, they supply premium solutions to the sailing and marine leisure markets. Their products are used by leading boat builders, charter fleets, and performance sailors worldwide. The UK operation plays a key role in the group's manufacturing capability, delivering precision-engineered components and systems to meet high performance and durability standards. The team takes pride in their craftsmanship, customer focus, and collaborative work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Team Leadership & Development:
   Lead, motivate, and guide a team of Supervisors, Team Leaders, and Planners. Foster a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement. Promote training and development programs to upskill the workforce.
2. Production Planning & Scheduling:
   Oversee and maintain a robust production schedule. Ensure delivery of output in line with KPIs, customer expectations, and lead times.
3. Resource & Equipment Management:
   Manage human resources and production equipment to meet demand. Ensure timely maintenance and repair of equipment.
4. Quality Assurance:
   Uphold quality standards across all production activities. Contribute to the development and implementation of group-wide quality documentation and procedures.
5. Process Improvement:
   Identify inefficiencies and implement new production methods. Drive productivity and cost-reduction strategies.
6. Performance Monitoring & Reporting:
   Analyse production metrics and employee performance. Provide regular reports and insights to senior leadership.
7. Cross-Departmental Collaboration:
   Work closely with departments including Sales, Technical, and Stores to ensure seamless coordination. Promote open communication and collaborative problem solving.
8. Health & Safety Compliance:
   Champion a culture of health and safety across the shop floor. Enforce compliance with safety protocols and respond swiftly to incidents or concerns.
9. Problem Solving:
   Identify and resolve production issues with speed and precision. Implement corrective actions to minimise disruption and improve output.

Key Skills & Experience:

1. Essential:
   Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment. Strong organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Expertise in operations, production, and workforce planning. Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Proficiency with production management systems and general IT tools. Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
2. Desirable:
   Background in marine, composites, or similar technical industries.

Core Competencies:

1. Working with People: Builds rapport, fosters team spirit, and adapts well to others.
2. Delivering Results: Maintains quality and productivity while meeting project goals.
3. Cross-Functional Thinking: Understands and works collaboratively with other departments and stakeholders.
4. Trust & Accountability: Keeps commitments and builds reliable working relationships.
5. Execution & Planning: Sets clear goals and drives improvements.
6. Teamwork & Inclusion: Builds cohesion and a strong sense of team identity.

If you're an experienced production leader looking to take your next step in a thriving and innovative environment, we'd love to hear from you.