Head of Production

IMI Plc; Poole; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering company is seeking a Head of Production in Poole, UK. This director-level role involves overseeing manufacturing operations, driving continuous improvements, and ensuring high standards of quality. Candidates should have a background in engineering, significant leadership experience, and expertise in modern manufacturing techniques. The position offers full-time employment in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Charismatic leader with experience in managing complex manufacturing activities.
• Significant experience in cellular manufacturing operations.
• Well versed in modern manufacturing management techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the manufacturing team.
• Drive improvements in team performance.
• Establish procedures for high standards in operations.

Skills

Leadership

Continuous Improvement

Engineering Background

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Degree in Engineering

Tools

MRP/ERP Systems

Lean Manufacturing Techniques

Job description

Head of Production at IMI

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Overview

IMI plc is a global specialist engineering company that creates breakthrough solutions. We solve problems with customers, embracing innovation and caring for outcomes that are good for business and everyday life.

Role Overview

Role reports to Site Lead and has responsibility for all production, purchasing, Continuous Improvement and dispatch functions with strong links to Quality and Engineering Managers to drive through consistent levels demanded by our customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and focus for the manufacturing team, comprising Purchasing, Planning, Quality Engineering, Continuous Improvement and the shop floor team
• Drive improvements in team performance by goal‑setting, training and developing, prioritising activities, coaching, supporting and communicating
• Arrange that manufacturing resources are in place to match the customers requirements and set priorities for allocation of current resources
• Identify and solve problems affecting production – suppliers, schedules, staff, quality and resource allocation
• Create a positive environment for change, leading activities to improve production processes
• Establish procedures for maintaining high standards of manufacturing operations, product quality, reliability and safety
• Champion continuous improvement, implementing modern lean manufacturing techniques, quality to create real value that delivers best operating practice throughout the organisation
• Promote continuous improvement in the organisation's key performance indicators
• Actively participate in new product and process improvement initiatives
• Promote the correct use of the MRP system as a cornerstone of business planning strategy
• Foster close working relationships between internal and external functions such as customer representatives, suppliers and Quality, Engineering, HR and accounts functions
• Handle employee relations matters such as overseeing absence management, timely return‑to‑work interviews and leave authorisation aligned with company policy, managing underperformance, disciplinary and capability issues, and addressing grievances, ensuring appropriate communication and collaboration with line management and HR throughout
• Perform other duties commensurate with the nature and level of the post as may be reasonably required

Critical Competencies for Success

• A charismatic leader with proven experience in managing technical and complex manufacturing activities, background in engineering or technical operations, and experience of operations management
• Significant experience managing a cellular manufacturing operation, supplying highly demanding customers
• Well versed in modern manufacturing management and continuous improvement techniques with the ability to be selective in their application
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, good communicator with a track record of delivering tangible results through effective management, delegation and development of operations staff
• Exercise sound commercial judgement and risk management techniques to drive operational improvement at the pace necessary to prosper within this technically demanding environment
• Extensive experience operating in a similar role
• Degree qualified in an engineering discipline, ideally with a postgraduate qualification and/or Chartered status
• Knowledge and understanding of world‑class manufacturing techniques such as Lean, Kaizen, SMED etc.
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to successfully motivate employees to achieve results at highest quality
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interface effectively with personnel at all levels
• Strong commercial acumen
• Full understanding of ISO9000, ISO 18000 and ISO 14000
• Willingness to learn and develop
• Competent on PCs with standard and MRP/ERP packages (Excel, Outlook, Word, EFACs etc.)
• Understanding of Responsible Business initiatives

Desirable Competencies

• Knowledge and exposure to world‑class manufacturing methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma

Job Details

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing

IMI is an inclusive employer; diversity is very important to us, and we want to receive applications from people from all backgrounds.