Production Director

Zenoot Ltd; Walsall; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known manufacturing firm in Walsall seeks a dynamic Director of Production. The role involves overseeing fabrication operations and managing a large team. Ideal candidates will bring experience in fabrication, leadership skills, and a solid understanding of production processes. Enjoy a competitive salary, 26 days of holiday, and a pension plan. This is an onsite position requiring strong communication and management capabilities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Company pension

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior management position within fabrication or manufacturing.
• Manager-level role seeking advancement also considered.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead production staff and teams.
• Oversee production workflow and ensure targets are met.
• Ensure staff roles are adequately resourced.
• Monitor capacities and ensure deadlines are met.
• Ownership of training and succession for staff.
• Advise on tooling and ensure industry standards.
• Ensure a safe and compliant work environment.

Skills

Strong background in fabrication and welding

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings

Excellent leadership and man-management skills

Knowledge of production processes

Ability to work autonomously

Experience managing customer relationships

Strong understanding of quality control processes

Excellent communication skills

Job description

Overview

Your new company: This is a new and exciting permanent opportunity for this well‑known industry leader in high-integrity fabrication, welding, tube manipulation & machining for a Director of Production (fabrication). Established in 1974 and based in the West Midlands, this company maintains a wealth of knowledge and experience manufacturing for the following industries: Power generation, petrochemical, oil & gas, process plant, environmental & nuclear. They have 8 purpose‑built manufacturing workshops that cover over 80,000 sqft, of which 10,000 sqft is a dedicated clean conditions area. Each shop is equipped with overhead cranes ranging from 5 tonnes to 100 tonne lifting capacity. They are accredited to ISO 9001, 14001 & 18001 and also hold BS EN 1090 pt. 2 (execution of steel structures) and hold an array of ASME stamps that include US, PP & R. They have also recently been recognised as fit for nuclear, an in‑depth programme that identifies whether a company has the right procedures, personnel & skills for the UK’s civil nuclear programme. This dedication to quality control & assurance, whilst maintaining our competitive edge, enhances our presence and reputation when manufacturing heat exchangers (super‑heater elements, economisers, evaporators, membrane panels, headers, manifolds), pressure vessels, pipework, burners, ducting, tanks, silos & structural.

Your new role

They are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Production (Fabrication) to join their senior management team. This is a new role aimed at strengthening their organisational structure and supporting their future growth. The successful candidate will oversee the production department, ensuring the effective and efficient operation of our fabrication workshops.

Key Responsibilities

• To manage and lead a team of production staff, including a Human Resource Assistant, Production Planner, Production Manager, 4/5 Supervisors, and approximately 70 workshop operatives. Provide leadership and guidance to ensure the team meets production objectives.
• Oversee and manage the production workflow, ensuring work packages are processed through the workshops in a timely and efficient manner. Ensure that production targets and hours are met.
• Oversee resources within the workshops, including platers, fitters, tube manipulators, welders, operatives, and apprentices. Ensure that all roles are adequately staffed and resourced.
• To ensure smooth workshop load planning, resource allocation, and project plans. Monitor workshop capacities to ensure deadlines are met, and production targets are achieved.
• Take ownership of training and succession planning for all staff. Ensure the development of the team through ongoing training and mentorship. Assist in onboarding new starters and apprentices.
• Advise and control tooling, jigs, and fixtures. Ensure that all production processes meet industry standards for safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Take responsibility for maintaining a safe and compliant work environment. Monitor and enforce health and safety policies and procedures.

What you’ll need to succeed

The ideal candidate could be an experienced Production Director with knowledge and experience in a senior management position within a fabrication or manufacturing SME. Or you may be currently in a manager‑level role who is looking for the next step‑up in their career and is willing to learn.

Key skills and experience required include

• Strong background in fabrication and welding, with experience in tube and plate fabrication work.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Excellent leadership and man‑management skills, with a track record of leading large, diverse teams.
• Strong knowledge of production processes and workshop operations, including load planning, resource allocation, and project management.
• Ability to work autonomously and use initiative to solve problems and drive improvements.
• Experience liaising with customers, managing relationships, and delivering customer satisfaction.
• Strong understanding of quality control processes and health & safety regulations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to promote teamwork and collaboration across departments.

What you’ll get in return

This role is an onsite role 5 days a week and, as such, you will be entitled to a competitive salary along with 26 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays) and a company pension.