Manufacturing & Production Director

Lead the manufacturing function within budget and output targets to meet customer requirements and standards. Full accountability for ensuring safety, customer quality, cost and delivery requirements are met. Responsible for developing an enthusiastic, motivated and flexible team by building working relationships ensuring that Health, Safety and Environmental requirements are adhered to. Manage the team on best practice and establish standard policies and procedures whilst also mentoring and leading teams. Implement and manage continuous improvement and modern manufacturing principals by highlighting deficiencies and recommending changes in training, working practices and processes.

• Contribute to the creation and implementation of best practice manufacturing vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve operational performance


• Identify business improvement opportunities within the organisation


• Effectively and efficiently manage the production of the required daily/weekly/monthly targets in line with customer specifications, meeting quality and delivery expectations, minimising costs where possible and ensure the required best working practices are maintained at all times


• Responsible for plant production, financial performance, meeting customer requirements and maintaining the orderly and productive operation of planned activities


• Ensure the target productivity level is achieved on a daily basis


• Update the production plan on a daily basis


• Communicate and liaise with other departmental managers regarding throughput of stock to ensure production targets are met


• Drive process improvements on Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by appropriate data analysis


• Attend various meetings and action/communicate instructions


• Produce written reports and make presentations


• Undertake continuous training and development


• Perform root cause analysis and resolve problems


• Identify and deploy the technical skill sets, resource levels and systems to deliver projects, including the engagement of external resources as required


• Conduct risk assessments of processes and tasks in the department


• Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors
  
  Educational Background


• Relevant degree or equivalent qualification - Business Management, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Process or Production Engineering


• Lean Six Sigma certification - Preferable.


• NEBOSH or IOSH certification - preferable


Professional Knowledge and Experience

• Extensive experience in manufacturing and production management within a mid-sized or larger company in sectors such as Automotive, Pharmaceutical, Shipping, or Defence.


• Proven track record of leading large-scale production operations, including managing multi-disciplinary teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives.


• In-depth knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices in quality control, lean manufacturing, and supply chain management.


• Strong background in strategic planning, budget management, and cost optimisation to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.


• Experience in managing blue collar teams e.g. Fabricators, mechanical fitters


• Experience in managing a workshop / assembly


Other Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency in MS Office 365; knowledge of SAP is highly advantageous.


• Strong leadership abilities with a proven track record of managing and guiding teams through periods of transition.


• Skilled in coaching and mentoring team members, fostering an environment that encourages independent thinking and problem-solving.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively steer and inspire teams towards achieving operational goals.


• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities to navigate complex production challenges and implement effective solutions.


• Customer centric mindset


• Excellent in internal stakeholder management


• Position requires the individual to be on-site 5 days a week
  
  GEA is one of the largest suppliers for the food and beverage processing industry and a wide range of other process industries. Approximately 18,000 employees in more than 60 countries contribute significantly to GEA's success - come and join them! We offer interesting and challenging tasks, a positive working environment in international teams and opportunities for personal development and growth in a global company.