Jobs in Horstead

Head of Production - Manufacturing

The Opportunity

This is a business-critical Production Management role running the day-to-day production within a growing, manufacturing operation, offering full ownership of end-to-end production

As Head of Production, you will lead the performance and efficiency of manufacturing across all manufacturing processes in a vertically integrated organisation While This role is primarily day-to-day production management, you will also play a key role in driving operational excellence, scaling capacity, and supporting the company’s growth ambitions.

You will be a senior member of the Operations team, with significant influence over performance, culture, and continuous improvement across the operation.

Scope & Scale

Manufacturing responsibility
Leadership of Production Managers, Supervisors, and large shift-based teams
Ownership of production budgets including labour, materials, and efficiency
End-to-end production accountability
Key Responsibilities

Operational & Strategic Leadership
Lead all manufacturing operations to achieve output, cost, quality, and service targets
Drive capacity optimisation, labour planning, and operational efficiency across sites
Ensure manufacturing processes are robust, scalable, and fit for growth
Health, Safety & Quality

Build and maintain a high-performing safety-first culture
Ensure full compliance with HSE legislation, internal policies, and industry standards
Drive improvements in right-first-time, defect reduction, and customer quality outcomes
Continuous Improvement & Transformation

Be part of the Lean manufacturing and CI team to improve operational efficiencies.
Improve key metrics such as OEE, yield, and right-first-time performance
Leadership & Culture

Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing production leadership team
Build capability, accountability, and engagement across the workforce
Foster a strong, inclusive, performance-driven culture aligned to business values
Work effectively within a unionised environment
Cross-Functional Leadership

Partner closely with Supply Chain, Planning, Engineering, Maintenance, and Logistics to ensure end-to-end operational delivery
Performance & Governance

Own and report on key KPIs including output, efficiency, cost, scrap, safety, and labour performance
Ensure strong governance, reporting accuracy, and operational discipline
What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a proven senior manufacturing leader who can combine hands-on operational expertise with strategic thinking.

Experience

Significant leadership experience within manufacturing or production environments
Track record of managing large, shift-based operations
Demonstrated success in driving operational improvement and cultural change
Experience within unionised environments is highly desirable
Technical Capability

Strong understanding of production planning, capacity management, and labour optimisation
Experience using KPIs, ERP/MRP systems, and performance reporting tools
Background in building products, windows/doors, or similar manufacturing advantageous
Leadership Profile

Visible, credible leader with the ability to operate mainly at day to day at operational levels and supporting strategic developments as required.
Results-driven, with a focus on performance, accountability, and continuous improvement
Why This Role?

Full operational ownership across a complex manufacturing environment
High-impact role with strong visibility and influence within the business
Clear pathway for progression into broader operational leadership roles
Package
Competitive base salary
Performance-related bonus
Car allowance
Additional benefits package
Location & Flexibility

Site-based role
Flexibility required to support operational demands and shift-based environments
Our Company is committed to monitoring & aligning its Policies with up-to-date Government guidance on reducing the spread of respiratory infections in the workplace. Through the Company’s value of “Succeed Together” we are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We recruit the ‘best person for the job’ regardless of any protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010 creating an inclusive working environment and culture for our employees