We are seeking an experienced Head of Production to lead, manage, and optimise all manufacturing operations across our production facilities in a true make to order environment where customer service is critical to success. This is a pivotal leadership role with full accountability for ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently, on time, and to specification, while consistently meeting quality, cost, service, volume, objectives.
Reporting into the Group Manufacturing & EHS Director, the Head of Production will be responsible for the end-to-end production process across the site, including extrusion, sealed unit manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, glazing, finishing, and dispatch handover.
Key Responsibilities:
Production & Operational Leadership
Lead and oversee all production activities to achieve agreed targets for Safety, People, Quality, Volume and Cost
Develop and deliver production plans aligned to sales forecasts, installation schedules, and business priorities.
Ensure manufacturing processes are robust, repeatable, and capable of consistently meeting customer and regulatory requirements.
Partner with the Continuous Improvement team to:
Drive lean manufacturing initiatives, waste reduction, and process optimisation.
Support the introduction of new products, materials, equipment, and technologies.
Support development of and ensure adherence to Standard Work
Quality, Safety & Compliance
Champion a strong health, safety, and environmental culture, ensuring full compliance with legal requirements, company policies, and best practice.
Ensure all products are manufactured to specification, quality standards, and relevant industry accreditations.
Work closely with Quality teams to reduce defects, rework, and customer complaints.
People Leadership
Lead, coach, and develop production management teams to build capability, accountability, and engagement.
Drive effective performance management, succession planning, and skills development across the production workforce.
Drive adherence to standard work in support of our Lean Manufacturing approach & goals
Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture aligned to company values.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate closely with Lean, Supply Chain, Planning, Logistics, Engineering, Maintenance, and HR to ensure seamless end-to-end delivery.
Support business change initiatives, growth projects, and operational transformation programmes.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with Union representatives.
Reporting & Governance
Monitor and report on key production KPIs, including output, efficiency, scrap, downtime, safety, and labour performance.
Ensure accurate reporting, documentation, and adherence to internal governance requirements.
Performance Measures & Accountability
Achievement of production output, efficiency, and cost targets
Health & Safety performance and compliance
Product quality and right-first-time manufacture
Labour productivity and employee engagement
Delivery against production plans and lead times
What We’re Looking For:
A relevant manufacturing or engineering qualification, or equivalent operational experience within a complex manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, ideally within windows, doors, or building products
Proven experience in production planning, labour optimisation, and capacity management
Confident use of production KPIs, reporting tools, and ERP/MRP
Strong IT skills, including Excel and production reporting systems
Senior production leadership experience within a manufacturing environment
Experience managing large, shift-based workforces who thrives on the Gemba and in developing people
Demonstrated success in driving operational improvement and cultural change
Experience working in unionised environments
Based at manufacturing site(s), with regular onsite presence required
Flexibility to support shift patterns and operational requirements
Willingness to travel occasionally between sites or to suppliers
Strong negotiation skills and a results-driven mindset
Desirable:
Degree or professional qualification in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, or Business Management
Lean / Six Sigma or continuous improvement accreditation
Experience of UKG
Why Join Us?
Highly Competitive Salary Package
33 days Holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
Generous Car Allowance
Private Healthcare
Bonus Scheme
Salary sacrifice benefits – enjoy perks such as pension, cycle to work, electric car purchase, and additional annual leave, while potentially reducing your tax and NI contributions
Generous Employee Product Purchase Discount Scheme
Pension – with up to 4 x salary & income protection, with the option to potentially save on tax and National Insurance via our salary sacrifice arrangement
Life Assurance of up to 4 x basic salary (subject to qualifying criteria)
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
Salary description
£60000.00 - £70000.00 per year