Head of Production

Production Operations Director

Location: Cambridgeshire, UK

About the Rol

eWe are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Production Operations Director to lead and develop all manufacturing and production operations within a growing advanced technology organisation

.This is a senior leadership position responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, high-quality, and scalable production across a complex manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will oversee production planning, manufacturing, assembly, testing, supply chain coordination, quality performance, and continuous improvement initiatives while supporting both current programmes and future business growth

.The role offers the opportunity to influence operational strategy, drive manufacturing excellence, and support the delivery of innovative technology solutions to global customers

.
Key Responsibiliti

esProduction Leadersh

• ipLead daily production activities to achieve delivery, quality, and efficiency objective
• s.Ensure manufacturing schedules are executed effectively to meet customer deman
• d.Coordinate cross-functional teams to support seamless production operation
• s.Drive accountability, engagement, and performance across manufacturing team
• s.Support new product introduction and successful transition into productio

n.Manufacturing & Operatio

• nsOversee manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective productio
• n.Manage purchasing and supplier coordination to maintain continuity of suppl
• y.Ensure ERP/MRP systems are effectively utilised to support operational requirement
• s.Identify and mitigate operational risks affecting delivery, quality, or productivit
• y.Monitor operational KPIs and implement corrective actions where necessar

y.Quality & Complian

• ceMaintain compliance with quality, regulatory, and health & safety standard
• s.Ensure manufacturing processes meet ISO and customer requirement
• s.Support audit readiness and ongoing compliance activitie
• s.Promote a culture of quality, consistency, and process disciplin

e.Continuous Improveme

• ntIdentify and implement initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce wast
• e.Drive lean manufacturing and operational excellence programme
• s.Enhance production flow, capacity utilisation, and on-time delivery performanc
• e.Use operational data and metrics to support decision-making and improvement activitie
• s.Lead change initiatives that support growth, scalability, and operational resilienc
• e.Support automation and digital manufacturing projects where appropriat

e.People Leadersh

• ipLead, mentor, and develop manufacturing and operational team
• s.Foster a positive, accountable, and high-performance cultur
• e.Support employee development through coaching and performance managemen
• t.Ensure effective communication across departments and team
• s.Promote employee engagement and organisational value

s.Strategic & Commercial Contributi

• onContribute to operational strategy and long-term business objective
• s.Support cost reduction and margin improvement initiative
• s.Collaborate with senior leadership to support growth and investment plannin
• g.Align manufacturing capability with customer and commercial requirement
• s.Provide operational reporting and insight to support strategic decision-makin
• g.Work closely with commercial teams to align capacity planning with demand forecast

s.
Skills & Experie

nceEssent

• ialProven leadership experience within a manufacturing environment producing highly configurable produc
• ts.Strong understanding of production planning, purchasing, and supply chain operatio
• ns.Demonstrated success in driving operational performance and continuous improveme
• nt.Knowledge of quality systems, compliance requirements, and manufacturing best practic
• es.Extensive experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing KP
• Is.Experience leading multidisciplinary tea
• ms.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skil
• ls.Excellent communication and stakeholder management abiliti
• es.Experience working within ISO-regulated environmen
• ts.Engineering, Manufacturing, or Technical degree qualificati

on.Desira

• bleExperience within advanced manufacturing sectors such as aerospace, defence, electronics, medical devices, or other high-technology industri
• es.Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologi
• es.Experience managing low-volume, high-complexity production environmen
• ts.Experience evaluating, selecting, or implementing ERP/MRP syste
• ms.Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programm
• es.Familiarity with regulated or export-controlled manufacturing environmen
• ts.Technical or engineering manufacturing backgrou