Head of Production

Location: Cambridgeshire

Head of Production

Role Overview

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially minded Head of Production to lead and develop all manufacturing and production operations within a high-technology organisation.

The role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, high-quality, and scalable production of advanced thermal imaging and sensing systems, supporting both current programmes and future growth.

The successful candidate will oversee production planning, manufacturing, assembly, test operations, supply chain coordination, quality performance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This is a key leadership role in delivering operational excellence within a regulated, high-technology manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Production Leadership

Lead daily production activities to achieve delivery, quality, and efficiency targets.
Ensure manufacturing schedules are executed effectively to meet customer demand.
Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure smooth production operations.

Manufacturing & Operations

Oversee manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production.
Manage purchasing and supplier coordination to maintain continuity of supply.
Ensure ERP/MRP systems are effectively utilised to support operations.

Quality & Compliance

Maintain compliance with quality, regulatory, and health & safety standards.
Ensure manufacturing processes meet ISO and customer requirements.
Support audit readiness and continuous compliance across operations.

Continuous Improvement

Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
Drive lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives.
Improve production flow, capacity utilisation, and on-time delivery performance.
Analyse operational data to support decision-making and improvement actions.

People Management

Lead, mentor, and develop manufacturing and operational teams.
Foster a positive, accountable, and high-performance working environment.
Support employee development through coaching and performance management.

Required Experience

Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing environment with highly configurable products.
Strong understanding of production planning, purchasing, and supply chain operations.
Experience managing operational performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
Knowledge of quality systems, compliance, and manufacturing best practices.
Extensive experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing KPIs.

Desirable Experience

Experience with in defence, aerospace, electronics, or high-technology manufacturing.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
Experience managing low-volume, high-complexity production environments.
Experience in ERP/MRP system evaluation and implementation.
Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI)