Head of Production – Senior Leadership Role

About the role

We are seeking a Head of Production to lead production, manufacturing engineering, continuous improvement and facilities at a well‑established heavy engineering business in Leeds. Reporting to the Operations Director and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, you will drive the transformation agenda and deputise for the Operations Director when required.

Key responsibilities

• Own EHS and regulatory compliance across production and manufacturing engineering.
• Deploy quality policy, lead quality improvement programmes and ensure production quality.
• Execute the production plan, monitor daily throughput and report performance.
• Manage workforce efficiency, control operational costs and develop a preventative maintenance programme.
• Build and embed an integrated Management Operating System, including visual management, SQDCC reporting and A3 improvement activities.
• Drive lean, continuous‑flow and materials‑flow methodologies on the shop floor.
• Improve ERP/MRP data quality and support OTIF and inventory targets in partnership with Supply Chain and Procurement.

Required profile

• Manufacturing or production engineering degree, or equivalent experience.
• Lean manufacturing certification (essential) and 5+ years leading production/manufacturing transformations.
• Proficient user of ERP/MRP systems, preferably with recent implementation experience.
• Project management experience and IOSH Managing Safely certification (NEBOSH desirable).
• Strong leadership, coaching and data‑analysis skills.

Required skills

• Lean manufacturing
• Six Sigma Green Belt
• ERP/MRP systems
• Project management
• IOSH Managing Safely

What we offer

• Pension scheme
• Generous holiday allowance
• Progression route within the Senior Leadership Team
• Annual pay reviews
• Autonomy to shape the production and engineering function